Readings:
Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23
Matthew 15:29-37
In my middle teens, I was fortunate to find myself hanging out with a certain group of young men. We spent time writing music and discussing the Catholic faith (the little we knew). We would visit other families, eat, and sometimes even watch movies. And no matter how long we stayed together, we didn’t seem to have enough time. We would sit in church and write music, rehearse, and then go for prayers and then see each other off home, supposedly. I would walk them to their junction and stand with them for a while. And then they would walk me back, past the church to my junction, leaving me at least a 5-minute walking distance to my house. And then I would see them off again. We moved back and forth until late into the night. And the only thing that would break the conversation is the fear of being scolded by our parents for returning late.
This experience gives us a glimpse into what those who gathered to listen to Jesus on the hills of Galilee must have experienced. They listened to Jesus. They watched him heal the lame, the crippled, the blind, the dumb, and many others and praised God for three whole days. They seemed not to be fazed by hunger or thirst or the weather or the dangers of being in a crowded place. It was Jesus Himself who noticed their condition. Out of concern, he asked his disciples to provide them with food. They offered Jesus seven loaves and two fish. He broke it and gave it out to be shared. The people probably did not know where the food came from and they ate to their satisfaction. Twelve baskets were left to spare after 4,000 men ate! ‘Miracle no dey tire Jesus!’
What can we learn from this in the light of our Advent journey?
Jesus cares about our bodily and spiritual needs.
God is readily accessible to everyone who seeks Him in faith.
Everyone who comes to Jesus with faith and expectations will receive more than they ask for in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, “On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines…On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples, he will destroy Death forever” (Isaiah 25:6, 7).
If you stay close to Christ, evil and deceitful people will stay far away from you.
Spend time as often as possible with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament where he is waiting to transform Your life for the best.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
Prayer:
Lord, give me the grace to seek all things in You and seek You in all things. In seeking you may I find much more than I can ask for or imagine, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Through Mary's intercession, may the grace of God cleanse your heart and soul of every stain of sin, may the love of Christ purify your thoughts and speech of evil, and may the love of the Holy Spirit fill your mouth with a new song to the glory of God. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and purify our hearts, mind, and body. Cleanse us of all unrighteousness and selfishness, and make us worthy to receive your boundless favours this month. Amen.
God of might, giver of every good gift, put into our hearts the love of your name and disgust for sin. Give us a deeper sense of reverence for You. Keep us safe from the evil one and lead us unto eternal life through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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