REFLECTIONS TODAY

“The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle of Jesus that is recounted in all four gospels… it was seen as anticipating the Eucharist and the final banquet in the kingdom (Mt 8:11; 26:29)… it looks… to the feeding of Israel with manna in the desert at the time of the Exodus (Ex 16), a miracle that in some contemporary Jewish expectation would be repeated in the messianic age…” (NABRE footnote). Like Moses, Jesus has crossed over the water to the wilderness. Like Moses, he is surrounded by hungry people. On learning about the murder of John the Baptist, Jesus seeks solitude. But the crowds keep on following him. How frustrating it is to need time alone and to be denied it! Instead, Jesus has compassion on them and heals their sick. His compassion overcomes his need for solitude. Are we able to cater to others’ needs while being in need ourselves?

Gospel • Mt 14:13-21 
 

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.