Thursday, July 31, 2014

Eighteenth Sunday of the Year:A

"COMPASSIONATE GOD:JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND"

First Reading: Isaiah 55:1-3
Second Reading: Romans 8:35, 37-39
Gospel Reading: Matthew 14: 13-21

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. The Prophet gives an invitation to the people of Israel , who were exiles in Babylon to come to a banquet. The banquet stands for the life of love and friendship extended by God to the people. God wants to share the blessings with the people of Israel.

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul encourages the people by telling them that no matter whatever misfortunes happens in their lives, when God, the infinite , the all loving, is on our side, we have absolutely no reason to worry about anything. 

"The Miracle of Loves"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand people with five loaves and two fish is narrated . Jesus was preaching all day in a deserted place . People had come from from nearby towns and villages to to listen to His life giving words. The disciples were anxious to send the crowds away because it was getting too late and not enough food was available.  But Jesus was generous. He told the disciples that the people need not go away. Give them something to eat. The disciples reluctantly brought five loaves and two fish. The crowds were made to sit down. Jesus blessed the loaves and fish and gave them to the disciples to distribute them. Everyone ate: which numbered more than 5000 people and later they collected twelve baskets full of broken pieces.
Like Moses in the Old Testament, Jesus the new Moses is in a deserted  place and fed the people. Through this miracle, first of all, Jesus teaches us to be generous with our talents, our gifts, and our possessions. When we are generous, God blesses our efforts and there is enough for every one. Secondly, it also teaches us that God is compassionate to us in all our need and we in turn should emulate this compassionate nature in our lives.
"For it is in giving that we receive" - St. Francis of Assisi.
"There is enough food in the world for man's need but not for man's greed"- Mahatma Gandhi.
"Happiness never decreases by being shared " - Gautham Buddha.