💖 HOMILY - FEBRUARY 8 💖

First Reading - Hebrews 13:15-17,20-21 

Gospel - Mark 6:30-34

Life today is often filled with busyness and noise. We rush from one task to another, always trying to accomplish more, to meet expectations, and to keep up with the demands of daily life. In the midst of this, we can sometimes feel exhausted—physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. The readings today remind us of the importance of offering our lives to God, trusting in His guidance, and taking time to rest in His presence.  

The first reading from Hebrews encourages us to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God. This means that, no matter what situation we are in—whether joyful or difficult—we should always turn our hearts toward God in thanksgiving. The passage also emphasizes the importance of obedience and humility, reminding us that when we trust in God’s plan, He equips us with everything we need to do His will. It reassures us that God Himself is the one who strengthens us, guiding us toward what is good.  

In the Gospel, we see Jesus inviting His disciples to rest. After their missionary work, they return to Him, excited but also exhausted. Jesus recognizes their need for renewal and says, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” This simple yet profound invitation shows the heart of Jesus—He does not just demand work from His followers; He also cares for their well-being. He understands that rest is essential. However, when they try to retreat, they find crowds waiting for them. Instead of being frustrated, Jesus is moved with compassion. He sees the people as sheep without a shepherd, longing for guidance, and He begins to teach them.  

These readings offer us two key lessons. First, we are called to live lives of praise and trust in God. This means recognizing that everything we do—whether working, serving, or even resting—can be an offering to God when done with the right heart. Sometimes we think worship is only about singing or praying, but Hebrews reminds us that true worship is also found in our daily sacrifices—helping others, living with integrity, and trusting in God's plan.  

Second, we are reminded of the need for balance. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to rest, He invites us to do the same. Rest is not laziness; it is a necessary part of a life lived for God. Many times, we push ourselves too hard, thinking that our worth is based on how much we accomplish. But Jesus shows us that taking time to rest and be with Him is just as important as doing His work.  

At the same time, rest should not lead us to selfishness. Jesus and His disciples were tired, yet when He saw the crowd, He had compassion on them. This teaches us that even as we take time to recharge, we must remain open to the needs of others. True rest is not just about escaping responsibilities but about renewing our strength so that we can continue to love and serve better.  

Today, let us ask ourselves: Do we live with an attitude of gratitude and trust in God, offering our daily lives as a sacrifice of praise? Do we allow ourselves to rest in God’s presence, or do we constantly push ourselves to exhaustion? And when we do take time to rest, are we still open to responding with love when God calls us to serve?  

May we learn from Jesus—to work with dedication, to rest with trust, and to love with compassion. May God equip us with everything good, as Hebrews promises, so that we may do His will joyfully and faithfully.