Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21: Let’s offer praise to God and share with others, heeding our spiritual leaders. May God, who resurrected Jesus, enable us to fulfill His will, glorifying Christ forever.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: In God’s care, I lack nothing. He leads me to tranquility, guides me rightly, and comforts me. His presence brings abundance and enduring goodness in my life.
• Gospel – Mark 6:30-34: After the Apostles’ return, Jesus, recognizing their fatigue, sought a quiet place for rest. Despite their attempt to withdraw, crowds anticipated their destination. Jesus, moved by compassion for the people who seemed like lost sheep, set aside his own need for rest and began teaching them extensively.

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.

Mark 6:34

Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of God’s care for us and our response to His love. The readings show how we are called to trust in God, follow His guidance, and live in a way that pleases Him.

• Offering Praise to God: The first reading encourages us to offer God a sacrifice of praise. This reminds us that thanking God should be part of our daily lives.
• Living in Obedience: The reading from Hebrews calls us to obey our leaders. Obedience shows trust in God’s plan and helps us live in harmony with others.
• God’s Role as Shepherd: The first reading describes God as a shepherd who equips His people. This shows His care and how He prepares us to do good.
• Compassion for Others: The Gospel describes Jesus caring for the crowd. His compassion teaches us to see the needs of others and respond with love.
• The Importance of Rest: The Gospel shows Jesus inviting His disciples to rest. This reminds us to balance work and prayer with moments of quiet and renewal.
• God’s Peaceful Guidance: Hebrews speaks of peace that God gives to guide us. This peace helps us stay focused on doing His will.

Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to follow Jesus and trust in His care. Through praise, obedience, and compassion, we can live in a way that brings peace and serves others.

Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to focus on praising God, showing compassion, and trusting in His care. The readings invite us to reflect on how we live our daily lives, how we treat others, and how we rely on God’s guidance. These reflections encourage us to grow in faith and love.

Praising God Every Day

The first reading for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to offer a sacrifice of praise to God. This reminds us that praising God is not just for special times. It is something we should do in all circumstances, even when things are hard. Praise is a way of trusting that God is with us no matter what.

We can praise God through our words, by thanking Him in prayer and worship. We can also praise Him through our actions, by showing kindness to others and living in a way that pleases Him. Every good choice we make is like a gift we offer back to God.

Even when life feels difficult, we can still find reasons to praise Him. We can thank Him for the people in our lives, for small blessings, and for His constant care. This daily habit of gratitude helps us stay close to Him and reminds us of His love.

Compassion for Others

The Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows Jesus caring deeply for the crowd. He notices their needs and responds by teaching them. His example of compassion teaches us to see and respond to the needs of people around us. Compassion is not just a feeling; it is an action.

Sometimes, it is easy to focus only on our own problems and plans. But Jesus reminds us to look beyond ourselves. When we notice someone who needs help or encouragement, we are called to act with love. This could mean listening to someone, offering help, or just being present.

When we show compassion, we follow Jesus’ example. Our small acts of kindness can bring hope to others and show them God’s love. We can also pray for the strength to keep showing compassion, even when it is not easy.

Trusting God’s Care

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to trust God’s care. In the first reading, God is described as a shepherd who equips us for good works. In the Gospel, Jesus shows care for both the disciples and the crowd. This teaches us that God sees our needs and provides for us.

Sometimes we might feel like we don’t have what we need to face life’s challenges. But the first reading reminds us that God prepares us for the tasks He gives us. He helps us to do good things and to live in a way that pleases Him.

The Gospel shows us that Jesus understands the need for balance. He offers rest to the disciples and guidance to the crowd. In the same way, God gives us peace and strength when we rely on Him. Trusting in His care allows us to serve others with joy and confidence.

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As we consider these reflections, we are reminded of God’s presence in every part of our lives. By praising Him, sharing compassion, and trusting in His care, we can live more fully as His people. Let us take these lessons to heart and strive to live them each day.

Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for Your care and guidance. Help us to praise You daily, show kindness to others, and trust in Your plan for our lives. Teach us to follow the example of Jesus in all we do. May we grow closer to You and share Your love with others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you make praising God a part of your daily routine?
• What are some ways you can show compassion to those around you?
• When have you experienced God giving you the strength to do good things?
• How can you trust God more deeply in your daily life?

Word on Fire: Hunger for Guidance

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, he draws a parallel between the Gospel scene of Jesus’ compassion for the crowd and the Israelites in the desert. He highlights the motif of hunger and need, noting that just as the Israelites sought sustenance from Moses, the crowd seeks spiritual nourishment from Jesus. Bishop Barron sees this crowd, gathered around a threatened Jesus, as a metaphor for the Church. The faithful come to Jesus out of a deep hunger for his teachings and remain with him even in challenging times.

What date is Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Saturday February 8, 2025.

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For even numbered years see Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Saturday February 8, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21: Offer Praise and Follow Leaders
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd
Gospel – Mark 6:30-34: Compassion Amidst Weariness

Why does the first reading talk about a sacrifice of praise?

It teaches us to thank God with our words and actions. Even in hard times, we can choose to praise Him for His blessings.

What does it mean to obey our leaders?

The reading reminds us to trust the people God has placed to guide us. By listening to them, we grow in humility and keep peace in our communities.

Why is God called a shepherd in the first reading?

A shepherd guides, protects, and provides for his sheep. This shows how God leads us and gives us what we need to do good works.

What does it mean to do God’s will?

The first reading speaks of God helping us to do what pleases Him. This means asking for His guidance and trusting His plan for our lives.

Why did Jesus tell the disciples to rest?

He wanted them to take care of their needs after working hard. This teaches us to balance our work and prayer with moments of rest.

What does the crowd in the Gospel teach us?

The crowd shows a deep hunger for Jesus and His teachings. It reminds us to seek Him when we feel lost or need guidance.

How can we show compassion like Jesus?

We can notice the needs of others and help them. Small acts of kindness show God’s love to the people around us.

Why is peace mentioned in the readings?

The peace God gives helps us trust Him and do good things. It keeps us calm and focused, even when life feels hard.

How can we praise God daily?

We can pray, sing, or simply thank Him in our hearts. Sharing kindness and doing good things for others is also a way to praise Him.

What do these readings teach about trust?

The readings show that God cares for us and equips us for every good work. Trusting Him helps us stay close to Him and follow His ways.