“This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.”

 

Scripture readings for todays' reflection can be found at Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church | USCCB

In the gospel for today we see that the crowd has already developed a loving relationship with Jesus because of the signs he performed for the sick. Because of the care and concern that Jesus showed towards them, along with the healings they experienced, they were able to develop that relationship with God that they never knew or felt before.  And, in his compassion, Jesus was able to bring them food when they were hungry through this wonderful miracle of feeding so many people at one time. They felt the love of God for them through Jesus Christ.

Further, we see that, after Jesus blessed the food and gave thanks to God the Father, He had the disciples distribute it to those who were hungry. In this way, Jesus was able to have the apostles involved in this wonderful miracle. Jesus was working through the apostles to help those in need to get the nourishment they needed. We are to learn from this example of God’s generosity towards all. This miracle reveals the heart of God, who cares about our every need. God also expects us to come to the aid of one another.

Through his actions Jesus reveals how God is towards us: nourishing, caring, lavish, and concerned for all our needs. With this in mind, God also expects us to come to the aid of one another, and to share what little we have. Saint Teresa of Calcutta said about Jesus, “He uses us to be his love and compassion in the world in spite of our weaknesses and frailties.” 

Jesus feeds us spiritually at every Holy Mass with the Eucharist: His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. As we leave each Mass we attend, strengthened by our Lord in the Eucharist, let us, like the boy in this Gospel with the food, and the apostles distributing the food, bring Christ’s love and concern to those around us that they, too, may develop that loving relationship with Christ. In this way they will know of the salvation that comes through Him: Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.