Matthew 14: 13-21
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.
Dawg's Thought:
Today's prayer intention - for an end to abortion and the use of contraception.
I once heard a man (of authority) offer a reflection on today's reading. He proceeded to say, in effect, that Jesus did not multiply the loaves and fishes, but rather in seeing His generosity, others began taking their loaves and fishes from their bags. In essence, he was alluding to the "sharing" being the miracle versus the actual miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes.
If it is so hard to believe that Jesus could do this, what does that say about what Jesus can do in your life and the lives of those you love? Why would be call on Jesus in our time of need, or recall the Lord's goodness in time of blessing?
Right now, many people are in dire need. Let us offer what we can, whether all we can offer is prayers or if we can help financially, through Jesus Christ. May we attribute all blessing to Him, and all want to His mercy. Take care and God Bless.
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