The Healing of Many People

Today's Reflections

The Healing of Many People 

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Mt 15:29-37

²⁹[At that time,] Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. ³⁰Great 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. ³¹The 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.

³²Jesus 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.” ³³The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” ³⁴Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” ³⁵He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. ³⁶Then 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. ³⁷They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over—seven baskets full.

Reflection:

My heart is moved with pity. Having spent three days with the people, Jesus realizes how tired and hungry they are. Unwilling to send them home hungry, he proposes to feed the crowd. Jesus involves the disciples and presents the problem to them, asking them to help. He accepts their contribution of seven loaves and a few fish, multiplies these, and sends the disciples to feed the crowd.

Jesus invites us to translate sympathy and pity into action for people in need. We should not be afraid of opening ourselves to others. Miracles happen when people are willing to share and are gracious in giving.

When the people have eaten, Jesus orders that the fragments left over be gathered. God’s blessings should not go to waste. We must cherish and care for what God gives us. We should never take God’s gifts for granted. We must use these properly and wisely according to God’s plan.

God has given us many loaves of bread.

How much do we share with others?