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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for March 24, 2022

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THURSDAY, March 24
Óscar Romero and the Martyrs of El Salvador

Mark 6:46 After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

Many volunteers prepare and serve meals in homeless shelters. I have volunteered at a shelter where patrons are served “restaurant-style,” and I act as waitstaff. At another shelter, volunteers prepare the food, then join patrons in sharing the meal.

Mark’s story of Jesus feeding the five thousand is very familiar. Yet, with this reading, I noticed the last verse for the first time.

Mark tells us that Jesus sent his disciples away and remained behind to dismiss the crowd. For Jesus, it wasn’t enough just to feed hungry people. After the meal, he stayed behind to say farewell.

What did Jesus say, I wonder. Maybe he raised his hand and pronounced a blessing. Maybe he tousled the hair of a youngster on the front row. Whatever he did, Jesus wanted to connect with the people.

Connection is central to Jesus’s message. The Great Commandment to love God and neighbor is enough to change the world.

MOVING FORWARD: Give a gift of time and money to a feeding ministry.

PRAY for the Diocese of Kitui (Kenya)

Ps [83] or 42, 43 * 85, 86 | Genesis 46:1-7, 28-34 | 1 Corinthians 9:1-15 | Mark 6:30-46