Gospel

Mt 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 l 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.

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading presents us with a powerful image of Jesus' compassion and provision. When he hears of John the Baptist's death, Jesus withdraws to a deserted place, seeking solitude. But the crowds follow him, and instead of turning them away, he is moved with pity and heals their sick.

When the disciples suggest sending the crowds away to find food, Jesus responds with a challenge: "Give them some food yourselves." With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus takes what little they have, looks up to heaven, and blesses it. He breaks the bread and gives it to the disciples to distribute to the crowds.

This passage teaches us:

1. Jesus' compassion knows no bounds. He sees the crowds' physical and spiritual needs and responds with pity and provision.

2. Jesus can take our meager resources and multiply them to meet the needs of others.

3. Jesus is the true bread of life, satisfying our deepest hunger and thirst.

May we be like Jesus, seeing the needs of those around us and responding with compassion and provision. May we trust in his ability to multiply our resources and meet the needs of others. And may we always look to him as the true bread of life.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We thank you for the example of Jesus' compassion and provision in today's Gospel reading. Help us to see the needs of those around us and respond with pity and provision, just as Jesus did.

May we trust in your ability to multiply our meager resources and meet the needs of others. Help us to share what little we have, knowing that you can do great things with it.

Thank you for being the true bread of life, satisfying our deepest hunger and thirst. May we always look to you for sustenance and nourishment.

May we be like Jesus, compassionate and providing for those around us. May we never turn away from those in need, but always respond with love and kindness.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ