Mark 6:30-34

1 Kings 3:4-13

Psalm 119:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus

and reported all they had done and taught.

He said to them,

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People were coming and going in great numbers,

and they had no opportunity even to eat.

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it.

They hastened there on foot from all the towns

and arrived at the place before them.

When Jesus 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.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, as I contemplate the sons of David today, I too ask for an understanding and wise heart so that I may judge things rightly. Too often I judge poorly and choose the wrong path. Pour out your Spirit of Wisdom into my heart today and guide me along the path to your eternal embrace.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Wise Heart of King Solomon: The story of Solomon is a tragic story. It tells us that though he was unsurpassed in wisdom in his youth, his heart became corrupted in his old age. We learn today that the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon and promised to give Solomon whatever he requested of him. Solomon begins his petition by recalling first that his father, King David, had an upright heart. He then asks the Lord for an understanding heart to judge God’s people and distinguish right from wrong. Solomon literally requests a “listening heart.” In response, God promises to give him a heart so wise and understanding that it will surpass those who came before him and will not be surpassed by any who reign after him.

2. The Wisdom Literature in the Bible: The gift of Solomon’s wisdom is recorded in the wisdom books of the Old Testament, in books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, and the Wisdom of Solomon. Unlike the wisdom given to the nation of Israel through the Law of Moses, the wisdom of Solomon, the royal son of David, is meant for the whole world. It teaches the way of wisdom and virtue that leads to life. It illustrates how the way of foolishness and vice leads to death. When we read the Book of Proverbs, for example, we are encouraged to lead a life of prayer, to trust in the Lord, to be diligent in our work, and to have compassion for the poor. We are warned against falling into the sin of pride and encouraged to practice the wisdom of humility.

3. The Merciful Heart of Jesus: As Christians, we know that the wisdom of Jesus, the Son of David, far surpasses that of the great King Solomon (Matthew 12:42). Jesus’ heart is not just wise and understanding, it is also full of mercy for the people he serves. Today’s Gospel tells us that Jesus is so dedicated to this service of mercy that he doesn’t even have time to eat. Even though he is the King of Israel, he subordinates his needs to the care and ministry of his people. His heart is moved with pity for the crowds, and he sees that they are like sheep without a shepherd. Because they lack a true shepherd, they are in danger of straying away from God and are threatened by evil in many ways. Jesus, the merciful king and Good Shepherd, responds to the needs of his sheep first by teaching them. He feeds their spiritual hunger and satisfies their souls with true wisdom from on high. The Old Testament often symbolizes the reception of divine wisdom to eating and drinking (Proverbs 9:1-5). Jesus will not just feed the soul with wisdom; he will also satisfy the hunger of the body with bread.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you brought true wisdom into the world. This is the wisdom of the Cross. You teach me that by losing my life I will gain it, that by being merciful I will be shown mercy, that by forgiving I will be forgiven, and that by being pure of heart I will see God. Help me today to be a peacemaker and testify to your wisdom and love.

Resolution: Jesus has a wise and merciful heart that is moved to pity for us. Just as he taught the crowds, he desires to teach us many things. Jesus is our Good Shepherd who cares for us and feeds us. Jesus also gives his people shepherds who, if they remain united to the chief shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), will be able to feed and nourish and tend the particular flock entrusted to their care (John 21:15-19). Am I acting as a good shepherd with a merciful heart?