They all ate as much as they wanted

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A - 2nd August 2020

Gospel Matthew 14: 13–21

When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.

When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered, ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves he handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining, twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

Mosaic from Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes
near Capernaum

Like Jesus before me, I try to withdraw into a quiet place of solitude to pray, perhaps out in nature or on a prayer walk. I ask the Holy Spirit to help still my inner being; to help me be present to the Lord’s love and power.

When ready, I read the Gospel slowly several times. I probably recognise the story ... but there may be aspects of it which haven’t struck me before.

I spend as much  me as I can with these.

Jesus is grieving for the violent death of his dear cousin. Maybe this brings to mind some sadness and loss in my own life ... or maybe in the life of my sisters and brothers across the world. I share the depths of my emotions and yearnings with my compassionate Lord, who truly understands.

I take time to be in the scene in whatever way I can. Perhaps I sense the disciples’ mood ... their concerns about limited supplies ... how they share their resources with Jesus. I remain with them as the story unfolds.

What do I notice about Jesus and his cooperative relationship with the disciples? How might Jesus be asking me to labour with him?

I share whatever arises with the Lord.

When I am ready, I beg the Lord to nourish my deepest yearnings for myself and for this interconnected world. Glory be ...