Prayer:
O Jesus, let me hunger for your food.
Imagination:
(Picture Jesus and his disciples with the hungry crowds.)
Context:
The multiplication of food is the only miracle told in all four gospels. It is preceded by multiple healings. These stories highlight the Advent season when we await the Lord who comes with countless blessings, distributed freely to those who await him.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
“Large crowds came to Jesus, bringing with them the cripples, the deformed, the blind, the mute and many others besides. They laid them at his feet and he cured them. The crowds marveled to see the mute speaking and the deformed made whole, cripples walking about and theblind seeing. They glorified the God of Israel. Jesus called together his disciples, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me three days with nothing to eat. I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint on the way. The disciples answered, “Where can we find so many loaves in this deserted place to feed so many? Jesus asked, “How many loaves do you have? They said, “Seven and a few little
fishes.” He commanded the crowd to sit down, and taking the seven loaves and the fishes, giving thanks, he broke and gave to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and had their fill, and seven baskets of fragments were left over.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Each person has a need. Some are sick. Some are hungry. Jesus takes care of them all.
- The crowds show great faith. They take extraordinary efforts to bring the crippled and the blind to this deserted place.
- They know the source of the healings. They place their sick at Jesus’ feet.
- The crowds do not complain of their hunger. They have freely chosen to stay three days.
- Seeing their fatigue, Jesus initiates the multiplication. The scene is like the Last Supper. Jesus takes bread, blesses, breaks and gives to the disciples.
- An abundance results. All are satisfied. The seven baskets left over are meant for us.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, when will I learn to place all my needs at your feet?
- My faith draws me to you. Nothing will keep me back.
- Your power is unlimited, going forth to whomever draws near.
- You are thoughtful, Jesus. Even when I do not ask, you provide.
- Your Eucharist is every day. I will come to the table.
- Jesus, I will gather up all your blessings. None will go to waste.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today, I will bring my greatest need to Jesus. It is Advent and I must believe.
+ I will receive Holy Communion as often as possible during this season.