16B SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 6:30-34, JULY 21, 2024
1. STORY
President Abraham Lincoln often visited hospitals to talk with wounded soldiers
during the Civil War. He went to one
young soldier who was dying and asked if he could help him. The soldier did not recognize the president
but whispered, “Would you please write a letter to my mother?” The president carefully began writing down
what the young man said. The soldier was
too weak to continue so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added, “Written
for your son by Abraham Lincoln.” The
young man asked to see the letter and was astonished when he discovered who had
written it. “Are you really the
president?” he asked. Lincoln quietly
replied, “Yes, I am.” Then he asked if
there was anything else he could do. “Would
you please hold my hand?”, the soldier asked. “It would help to see me through to the end.” The president took the boy’s hand in his and
spoke warm words of encouragement until death came. Lincoln’s heart was moved with pity.
2. GOSPEL, MARK 6:30-34
A. COME AWAY AND REST A WHILE
Jesus and the disciples were very busy. “They had no opportunity even to eat.” Jesus was very concerned about their health and so said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” Jesus knew the importance of caring for one’s health.
B. HIS HEART WAS MOVED WITH PITY FOR THEM
Many people followed Jesus as they wanted to hear his message. He saw that they were like sheep without a
shepherd. He then began to teach them
many things. He was very concerned that
they would not get lost but would know the way to happiness and peace. Jesus was very compassionate.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH
God has given us the wonderful gift of health. He wants us to make a great effort to care for
this precious gift. Here are three
suggestions which may help us.
i) Food is extremely important. Take
care to eat the proper foods.
ii) Rest is very important. Make
every effort to get enough rest in your hectic lives.
ii) Slow down. See if there is something you can cut out or reduce such as the use of your phone.
B. BE KIND
Many people face great difficulties and are under a lot of pressure from
living in our crowded society. Here are
three suggestions to follow Jesus’ example.
i) Be understanding of others knowing that they may be under a lot of
pressure. Be slow to judge and give them
the benefit of a doubt.
ii) Be patient with others when they seem to be impolite or irritable. They may not be aware of what they are doing.
ii) Be forgiving. People may not
willingly offend you; but because they have a lot on their minds, they may not
be aware of their actions. By doing
this, we are following the actions of Jesus who is compassionate.
4. CONCLUSION
President Abraham Lincoln was kind toward the dying soldier. Jesus was caring about the health of the
disciples and compassionate toward those following him. We have to care for our health. We should strive to be understanding, patient,
and forgiving when dealing with others. We
thank Jesus for his example and instruction. We ask him for this strength to follow his
good example.
