Matthew 15:29-37
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up
on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them
the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them
at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute
speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see,
and they glorified the God of Israel. Jesus summoned his disciples and said,
“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for
three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for
fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we
ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus
said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few
fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven
loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the
disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were
satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
* * *
Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I now turn confidently to
you, who are my friend and savior. You are always watching over me and
protecting me, whether I’m mindful of you or not. Thank you. I love you, and
I’m grateful for these moments to refresh myself in your presence.
Petition: My
Jesus, give me an unshakeable confidence in your unconditional love.
1. Jesus on
the Mountain: Jesus is the focal point of history and
of all human aspirations. Even when he goes to out-of-the-way places, as is the
case in this Gospel passage, he is sought after. He strides by the Sea of
Galilee and scales up the mountain, and all humanity seeks him out. He doesn’t
interrogate them about their past or condemn them for their sins. He simply
gives to each what he or she needs: to the blind, sight; to the mute, the gift
of speech; to the deaf, hearing. Imagine for a moment this poor mass of
humanity around the Master. Place yourself with them. Your turn comes, and
suddenly it is as if the crowd disappears and you are alone with Jesus. He
looks into your eyes with loving concern and asks what you are seeking––even
though he already knows it. My Jesus, it is you that I seek. Heal me, and do
not let any sin separate me from you today.
2. “They Have Nothing
to Eat.” Love is not always very practical. Jesus’
heart is moved with compassion for all those who have sought him out. He knows
the sacrifices that they have made in searching him out, and he is not going to
leave them disappointed. The disciples saw only the practical problem, but in
his charity towards his neighbor, Jesus all but ignores it. What can I learn
from Christ’s attitude? Will I ever be let down or not be satisfied if I seek
Christ with a sincere heart?
3. The
Bread of Life: The miracle that Jesus works in
multiplying the loaves is a prelude to an even greater miracle he plans to
bring about. Jesus knows the longings of our hearts, and he knows that material
food has its limits, even when it is abundant. St Augustine states, “You made
us for yourself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
How can I not trust that Jesus will always provide for what I truly need, after
his lowering himself to appear as bread so that we can feed on him and be
satisfied?
“Keep thou my feet: I do not ask to see
the distant scene – one step enough for
me”.
Do I entrust the big picture of my life to
God my Father, or do I try to yank the “video control” from his loving hands?
Conversation
with Christ
My Jesus, I have a very wayward heart. I know that you are the only one who
can fulfill the longing of my soul; yet so often I put my confidence in the
fleeting things of this world instead. Reassure my heart that you will always
provide for me if I put all my trust in you. Keep me going up the mountain
towards your heavenly Kingdom, where you will be all in all.
Resolution: I will pause
sometime during the day––perhaps before lunch––and make a spiritual communion
by inviting Christ into my heart. I will thank him for the gift of himself in
the blessed Eucharist and renew my confidence in him.