GOD GIVES ABUNDANTLY
When God gives, He gives abundantly; more
than we deserve and more than we need so that we may have something to share
with others as well.
I can remember as a young boy my mother
setting out food when we had people visit, no matter what time of the day it
was. And, those who came to visit had the expectation that they were coming to
eat a variety of good food and have their fill. Mark's Gospel tells us that
Jesus, Himself, provides bread in abundance for the hungry crowd that has
followed Him into the desert. The Gospel records, "They ate and were
satisfied," and even had seven baskets left over!
When God gives, He gives abundantly;
more than we deserve and more than we need so that we may have something to
share with others as well. Jesus Christ nourishes and sustains us with His
life-giving Word and with His heavenly bread, His Body and Blood. This
supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strengthens us for our
journey. When we approach the Table of the Lord, what do we expect to
receive? Perhaps we desire healing,
pardon, or comfort and refreshment. Our heavenly Father has much more for you
and me, more than we can ever imagine.
Today, we are gifted, through the
sciences, to have many people recover from illnesses, prolonging their life on
earth. But, it is still true today that a caring, human touch can also have a
healing effect. Many people from all over the world still go to Lourdes, the
greatest of Marian shrines, seeking a miracle of healing.
In the Responsorial Psalm we acclaim:
"Remember us, O Lord, as You favor Your people" (Ps 106:4a). God did
wonders for His people then and He continues to do so now!