I am sure that you have had a desperate personal situation in your life. However, because you prayed, you were comforted before it got overwhelming. Jesus teaches us that we will be at peace if we trust Him. Yet, it seems like the cycle is new each time we encounter further turmoil, as we only remember to look toward Jesus late in the process. If you are honest with yourself, you typically pray and reach out for help when you get emotional. I tend to try first resolving situations on my own. In hindsight, as I look back on the results, I know I should count on Jesus earlier in the process. I am learning to pray at the first hint of an issue because it sure seems to help each time I do.
The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 8:14-21 – Scripture*
The Yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod
14 Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” 16 They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 8:14-21 Reflection – Count on Jesus.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 8 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.