Jesus must be playing “games” with the disciples, when he tells them to, “give them something to eat yourselves” (Mt 14:13-21) Surely he realises that it would be impossible for them to feed 5,000 men, “not counting women and children”?
No, Jesus isn’t playing games or tricks in this situation; there is only a call to faith, a call to use what you have been given to build up the kingdom, and therefore to use your gifts for the greater glory of God.
Did you notice that the “little boy” with the loaves and fishes isn’t in Matthew’s story? Instead, it’s the disciples themselves who have the “little bit” - they say, “All WE have with us is five loves and two fish.” That is a perfect setting, because it highlights for every Christian (i.e., disciple) that their little bit is what’s being called into focus.
WOW! what a leap of faith we’re asked to make! We see no problem in urging on “Indiana Jones” to step out in faith across that invisible bridge at that gorge in Arabia. But we hesitate when the “actor” is us! God is asking us to make available whatever gift(s) we have; to offer those gifts to Him for His blessing; and then to make them available for others. St. Paul would say later, this is the way we build up the mystical Body of Christ.
So, there’s the Key, one that so many spiritual writers have discovered over the centuries: whatever you have, and whatever you offer, if given in a true spirit of love, God will bless that offering and make it become nourishment for many others. It is His presence that is found in such a gift, because it comes from your Heart, where God dwells!
My friends, this “massive” feeding of so many thousands of needy people forecasts the “superabundance” of this unique bread of the Eucharist. The first Christians recognised this miracle of the breaking of the bread, not only as the reality of the Real Presence of Jesus, but also as the sign of their call to be in communion with one another as the united Body of Christ. That is ALSO your call, and my call!
Last week we heard a call for men to think about life as a priest or permanent deacon. Were our ears open to this call? Are we ready to accept that call to ordination or the other call to regular prayer for these vocations?
Also see articles #1335, and #1329 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
No, Jesus isn’t playing games or tricks in this situation; there is only a call to faith, a call to use what you have been given to build up the kingdom, and therefore to use your gifts for the greater glory of God.
Did you notice that the “little boy” with the loaves and fishes isn’t in Matthew’s story? Instead, it’s the disciples themselves who have the “little bit” - they say, “All WE have with us is five loves and two fish.” That is a perfect setting, because it highlights for every Christian (i.e., disciple) that their little bit is what’s being called into focus.
WOW! what a leap of faith we’re asked to make! We see no problem in urging on “Indiana Jones” to step out in faith across that invisible bridge at that gorge in Arabia. But we hesitate when the “actor” is us! God is asking us to make available whatever gift(s) we have; to offer those gifts to Him for His blessing; and then to make them available for others. St. Paul would say later, this is the way we build up the mystical Body of Christ.
So, there’s the Key, one that so many spiritual writers have discovered over the centuries: whatever you have, and whatever you offer, if given in a true spirit of love, God will bless that offering and make it become nourishment for many others. It is His presence that is found in such a gift, because it comes from your Heart, where God dwells!
My friends, this “massive” feeding of so many thousands of needy people forecasts the “superabundance” of this unique bread of the Eucharist. The first Christians recognised this miracle of the breaking of the bread, not only as the reality of the Real Presence of Jesus, but also as the sign of their call to be in communion with one another as the united Body of Christ. That is ALSO your call, and my call!
Last week we heard a call for men to think about life as a priest or permanent deacon. Were our ears open to this call? Are we ready to accept that call to ordination or the other call to regular prayer for these vocations?
Also see articles #1335, and #1329 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
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