263 part i: sunday meditations for the entire year SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Before Holy Communion 1. “I have compassion on the crowd” (Mk 8:2). Consider that it was not out of justice, but out of pity, that the Savior refreshed the crowd following Him: the people exhausted by three days of fasting. Thus, do not think that it is because of your merit, if at times you are given to drink the nectar of heavenly sweets, and offered ambrosia, the food of the gods; but you should instead attribute it to the Divine Mercy and goodness. Thus, perceiving your hunger and the weariness of your soul, God came to help by the sweetness of His generosity, lest your soul collapse on the way. Wherefore, how right it is that you hear Him, how assiduously [f.68v] you should imitate Him, how persistently you should follow Him! 2. “some of them have come a long way” (Mk 8:3). Consider that these, who come from afar off, are converted sinners. They return to Christ not from the mouths of the Nile, Tiber or Ganges, but from the gates of hell. He refreshes them too by heavenly consolations and seasons their bitter penance with the sweetness of internal delights. Just as the prodigal son was tormented by great hunger, you also journey to your most gentle Father from the distant region to which your imperfections attracted you. Oh, with what great desire, expecting you, He cries aloud: “Come, come, and do not hesitate!” To what a sumptuous banquet He is going to welcome you: “a great supper!” (cf. Lk 14:16). 3. “How many loaves have you?” (Mk 8:5). Consider that it was not unknown to the Lord, to whom all things stand open, how many loaves were in His supply of provisions. Yet, He sought to get information. He wanted to test the faith of His disciples. I believe that He wanted also to teach you, who are about to approach His table, that although you carry nothing except countless sins, you should come nonetheless with confidence, both to
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