“When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.” Mark 6:34
As humans we are called to greatness, to sainthood. How often do we look around during our journey at the needs of others? I know it is really hard for me to slow down, so I can struggle with being attentive to others and just being with them where they are at (especially when I am facing my own struggles). With my anxiety it is hard to slow down the thoughts in my head and take in my surroundings, no matter how hard I try to slow down those thoughts and focus on the person in front of me.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that it is so important to look outward rather than just looking inward at ourselves. We are called to love God and love our neighbors, and we live like Christ when we serve others. When Jesus gets off the boat He sees all the people that are waiting for Him, and He is “moved with pity for them”. He knows their hearts, that they are lost and in need of a Savior. Jesus could have waited to begin serving the people, taking a break from all of his own tasks and traveling, but He chose love first and foremost. He put the needs of others before His own and met them where they were at. He chose others before Himself for His entire life, on the Cross, and continues to love us first today.
While it is important to take care of ourselves, for we truly can’t serve others if we don’t receive the faith ourselves, we must share the gifts God gives us with those around us. In a world where it is the easy road to look down rather than around, let us be the light on a hill, true Christians that reach out to our brothers and sisters with selfless hearts. Not only will God share His love with them through you, but you will also be filled with the joy of Christ through this genuine gift of self.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis
Nathalie Shultz is a joyful convert to the Catholic faith with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She loves to share her passion for Catholicism with others, including her conversion story and how God continues to work miracles in her life through her OCD. She is a high school special education teacher, and she is married to her best friend, Tommy Shultz. Her favorite saints include St. Peter the Apostle, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. John Paul II. She is also a huge fan of C.S. Lewis. If you have any questions for Nathalie, or just want her to pray for you, you can email her at nathalie.e.shultz@gmail.com.
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