How can I, on this Memorial of Saint Agnes, reflect on the urgency of addressing the “needs” of our world—such as reducing harmful emissions and expanding access to renewable energy—while also attending to the simpler, immediate “needs” around me, like ensuring warmth for my Dorking Chickens and exploring the needs behind CAPN’s latest podcast episode, all through the lens of what Jesus “did when he was in #need“❓
Gospel
As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath,
his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain.
At this the Pharisees said to him,
“Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath❓”
He said to them,
“Have you never read what David did
when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry❓
How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest
and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat,
and shared it with his companions❓”
Then he said to them,
“The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.
That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
Lectio Divina Reflection
The word need resonates deeply when I consider the example of Saint Agnes, whose life testified to the ultimate need for faith and courage in the face of adversity. Her story inspires me to examine the needs in my life and in the lives of others. Reflecting on her sacrifice, I wonder how often I overlook the need for grace to guide my decisions, especially when faced with challenges that test my faith. Does my response to life’s difficulties align with what Jesus did when he was in need❓
The need to care for creation is one of the most urgent calls of our time. Pope Francis reminds us in On Care for Our Common Home that we must act decisively to reduce harmful emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. These global needs demand collective action, yet they begin with individual choices. Do I prioritize the need to reduce my ecological footprint as an act of stewardship for the Earth❓ How do my daily actions reflect Jesus’ care for others when he recognized their needs❓
that ‘its application will need various mediations’.”
Closer to home, my Dorking Chickens remind me of the need to provide for those in my care. As they huddle for warmth during the winter, I think about how small acts of kindness can meet immediate needs and demonstrate love in tangible ways. If I can respond to their need for warmth, am I just as attentive to the emotional and spiritual needs of those around me❓ Do I meet these needs with the same attentiveness Jesus showed❓
CAPN’s latest podcast episode, Rings, Rattles, & Rants, prompts reflection on the need for open dialogue and understanding in the Church. What are the needs behind the discussions and debates within our faith community❓ Whether addressing theological concerns or practical matters, the need for respectful conversation and collaboration cannot be overstated. Am I willing to listen and engage in a way that reflects Jesus’ example when he responded to those in need❓
days but we need more precipitation why
1:58
because our Farmers need the favorable
2:06
pray for much needed favorable weather
2:10
prayer those in need of prayer the poor
6:14
that is always well attended and we need
12:31
still need a lot of prayer and uh a lot
12:33
needs to be done and pray for moms with
12:54
volunteers needed for the first coob
13:41
the newspaper if you need to know more
14:59
each winners need not be present to win
15:01
if you need to know more maybe you’d
16:21
8933 volunteers are needed at BSA
16:34
rewarding experience need to know more
17:13
retreat center if you need to know more
17:54
me stress that so you need to get your
18:09
May 10th need to know more about the
19:08
during the dinner if you need to know
20:35
acts Amarillo. org if you need to know
21:26
attend if you need to know more please
22:13
needing gift basket donations to help
22:38
for the drawing need not be present to
22:47
4th Avenue in Canyon need to know more
24:37
it’s time to get it done need to know
Ultimately, Jesus teaches us by example how to respond to need—with compassion, humility, and action. Whether addressing the world’s pressing ecological challenges, tending to the immediate needs of those in my care, or fostering dialogue within the Church, I am called to emulate his response. But in doing so, am I truly following what he…
There is an urgent need to develop policies so that, in the next few years, the emission of carbon dioxide and other highly polluting gases can be drastically reduced, for example, substituting for fossil fuels and developing sources of renewable energy. Worldwide there is minimal access to clean and renewable energy. There is still a need to develop adequate storage technologies.
FROM PARAGRAPH 26 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME