Full Steam Ahead!!!

The commentator in one of our liturgy resources talked about the need for rest, peace, and times of quiet, especially after the celebrations of Christmas and New Years. There is nothing wrong with that because we can always use that down time and in fact, the Lord even tells us like he told his disciples, to get away and rest awhile. Even though we can use the peace and quiet, we cannot forgot that the work of God, the mission of the Church needs to continue. The readings for today give us that incentive. The letter to Saint John (4:7-10) says that we need to love one another because love is of God. As God loves us, so we must share that love with others. That love compels us to service, to reach out to our brothers and sisters. The gospel, Mark 6:34-44, is an example of that service. The disciples wanted to send the crowds away so that they could get food, plus they probably wanted the peace and quiet, but Jesus had other plans. Instead of sending the people away, Jesus fed all of them with five loaves and two fish. What a great miracle, but an even greater example of love and service. In the life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whom we remember on this day, we see that there was a tremendous example of service. After losing her husband and raising five children she could have yearned for peace and quiet. Instead, she joined the Catholic Church, founded a religious order of sisters, and founded a school. Her life is an example of love and service. Yes, we can always use the down time when needed, but when it comes to love and service, and doing all we can for the glory of God, it is full steam ahead! Have a blessed day!!!