GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 1ST AUGUST 2016
MONDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
(MEMORIAL OF SAINT ALPHONSUS MARY DE LIGUORI, BISHOP, DOCTOR)
1ST READING: Jeremiah 28:1-17
PSALM: Psalm 119:229, 43, 79-80, 95, 102
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:13-21
THEME: BREAD AND FISH IN THE DESERT
The most unlikely place to have a good meal is a deserted place where there are no food joints. Yet, five thousand men, not counting women and children, had a real good time in the very place where hunger once stared at their faces. The impossible became possible because of Jesus.
The disciples of Jesus, upon seeing the multitude said to Jesus, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves” (Mat 14:15). They saw an emerging problem and proposed a practical human solution – “send the crowds away.” Jesus, however, proposed a divine solution – “Bring them (i.e. the available five loaves and two fish) here to me” (Mat 14:18). In the end, they all ate and were filled and still there was a left-over of twelve baskets full” (Mat 14:20).
Interestingly, although they were in a desert-like place, there was still enough grass for them to sit on. No matter how dry and hopeless a situation may be, there is always a ray of hope. With Jesus, there is always a way out of every problematic situation.
You too may have found yourself in a desert-like situation – a situation of lack and emptiness. Moreover, time may not be on your side – “it is getting late”. Jesus turns to you at the beginning of this new month and says, “Bring them here to me” (Mat 14:18). Bring the little you have and are to Jesus. What you consider to be insignificant would turn out to be significant. Just trust and put it into the hands of Jesus.
Lord Jesus, you are more than able to provide for all my needs. In this new month I place my trust in you and pray for your intervention in every desert-like situation of my life. Amen
Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)