7 August, 20223 | Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time

 Gospel Mt 14:13-21

Do what Jesus Did...

Gospel Text:

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.

Reflections: 

The Gospel of today portrays Jesus as the compassionate Saviour. He feels compassion for the people and is able to understand the need of the people at that very moment. Jesus does the act of compassion by multiplying the five loaves and two fish. The blessing of God is abundant after Jesus sought to do something for the people who were hungry. He gives the disciples the example of   compassion and reaches out to the people in need. The compassionate heart expands out in  generosity. Jesus calls us his followers to feel compassion and transform this feeling into concrete action by sharing goods, talents and time with others generously. 

Activity 

Show compassion and understandingtowards the needy.