Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37

 

The people who came to Jesus were broken people. It was true then and is still true today. It is why we are here, listening to him. Where is our life broken; where do we need his healing power? It is important to get in touch with that place in our life; in order to get closer to him.

 

And Jesus had compassion for the crowds. He sees us among them and knows our needs. We tell him where we are most challenged.

 

Fullness of life and ability was offered to the sick and to those in need. Jesus calls us to full life, forgiving and healing, inviting us to be a fuller sign of God's presence.

 

Mother Teresa said about Jesus, “He uses us to be his love and compassion in the world in spite of our weaknesses and frailties.” In this miracle Jesus does not produce food out of nowhere. He takes the little that the apostles have, and he multiplies it a thousand-fold. No matter how little we think we have to give, once we freely place our gifts in Jesus’ service they become limitless. 

 

Thus, in the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, we are reminded that Jesus can also provide spiritual sustenance beyond our imagining. There is a mysterious disproportion between what we give and what the Lord makes of it. Jesus feeds us well with the miraculous food which is his Word. There is more than enough to satisfy our hunger completely. We listen and chew and digest, and feel the peace it brings.