5 August, 2024 | Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

 Jer 28:1-17

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 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.

Reflection:

The Gospel is the example of the Lord's mercy and unconditional love for us. Many times we wish to be alone, but when faced with the needs of others, our selfless spirit,  our Chrstian calling urges us and we do it with so much happiness that we do not realize it . In the face of those who need it for any circumstance and despite fatigue or interests, am I merciful and seek to help, am I going to satisfy their needs so that they are in better conditions, just as our Lord teaches us? It is true that there are many very difficult situations where it is very necessary to pray, from the heart, with faith, with love.

Activity: 

Examine today your attitude and the reactions to the difficulties you faced and see if they correspond to the spirit of a true disciple  of Christ.