Seventeenth Sunday of the Year July 28, 2024
2 Kings 4:42-44; Ephesians 4:1-6; John 6:1-15
A village farmer stopped at a restaurant in the nearby town
and sat near a group of young fellows who were acting up, shouting at the cook
and heckling the waitress. When his meal was set before him the old farmer
bowed his head to offer a prayer. One of the smart-alecks thought he would have
some fun with the old farmer. So he shouted in a loud voice that could be heard
by everyone, “Hey, Pop, does everyone do this where you come from?” Calmly the
old man turned towards the lad with an innocent smile and replied in an equally
loud voice: “No son, our pigs don’t pray before they eat.”
Today’s gospel tells us that before feeding the five
thousand Jesus took the loaves of bread, gave thanks (to God his Father) and
distributed them. The bread we get is the abundance of God’s goodness. He
deserves our gratitude.
The first reading echoes this theme of divine providence.
Elisha receives twenty barley loaves and some ears of grain, and with these, he
feeds a hundred men, with some left over. This passage highlights the idea that
God’s provision is not limited by our human understanding. It invites us to
trust in God’s ability to meet our needs, often in unexpected ways. When we
rely on God and share generously, we become instruments of His providence in
the lives of others.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding
a multitude with just five barley loaves and two fish. This event is more than
just a display of divine power; it is a profound lesson on God's ability to
provide abundantly even from the most modest of resources. Jesus's actions
remind us that when we offer what little we have to God, He can transform it
into something far greater than we could ever imagine.
This miracle also points to the Eucharist, the spiritual
nourishment that Christ provides for us. Just as the loaves and fishes were
multiplied to feed the physical hunger of the crowd, the Eucharist nourishes
our spiritual hunger, drawing us into deeper communion with Christ and with one
another.
How do we live out these lessons in our daily lives? First,
we are invited to bring our needs and our offerings to Jesus, trusting that He
can multiply them for the good of all. This requires a spirit of humility and
surrender, recognizing that our own resources, though limited, can become
powerful instruments of grace when placed in God's hands.
Second, we are called to foster unity within our
communities. This means practicing patience, understanding, and forgiveness,
and working towards the common good. In our families, workplaces, and parishes,
we can create environments where everyone feels valued and supported, mirroring
the inclusiveness and generosity of Christ.
Finally, we are challenged to be attentive to the needs of
others, especially the poor and marginalized. Just as Jesus was moved with
compassion for the hungry crowd, we too must cultivate a heart of compassion
and act to alleviate suffering wherever we encounter it. This could involve
volunteering our time, sharing our resources, or advocating for justice and
systemic change.
The readings dear friends invite us to reflect deeply on
God's abundant provision, our call to unity, and the transformative power of
faith. As we gather around the Eucharistic table, let us remember that we are
nourished not only for our own sake but to be a source of nourishment for the
world. Let us trust in God's ability to work through us, even in our
limitations, and commit ourselves to building a community marked by love,
generosity, and unity. In doing so, we become true witnesses to the miraculous
and boundless love of God.
Happy Sunday
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