THE COMPASSIONATE GOD: Jesus feeds the five thousand
Introduction: Today's liturgy speaks about the kind, generous, loving and compassionate nature of God. In the first reading Prophet Isaiah invites the chosen people for a banquet prepared by the Lord God. St. Paul in his letter to the Romans assures us that when God is on our side, there is nothing to worry about. In the Gospel Jesus feeds more than 5000 hungry people out of compassion. In a real life situation, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta narrates an incident in her life: How generous the poor are and how readily they share their resources. Learning of a poor Hindu family in Calcutta, who had been starving for many days, Mother Teresa visited them and gave a small parcel of rice to the mother of the family. To her surprise, the woman divided the parcel into two equal portions and immediately gave one portion to her Moslem neighbour. When asked by Mother Teresa, why she had done such a sacrifice, the woman replied: "Mother, my family can mange with half of what you brought. My neighbour's family too are starving and they have many children to feed." Multiplication of bread happens in real life when we share our resources with the poor and the needy.
First Reading: Isaiah 55: 1 to 3
Second Reading: Romans 8: 35 and 37 to 39
Gospel Reading: Matthew 14: 13 to 21
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah gives an invitation to the people of Israel, who are exiles in Babylon, to come to a banquet of the Lord God. The banquet stands for the life of love and friendship extended by the Lord God to His people. He wants to share His blessings with the people of Israel.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul encourages the Christian community in Rome by assuring them that no matter whatever misfortunes happens in their lives, when God the infinite, the all loving is on our side, we have absolutely no reason to worry about anything.
The miracle of five loaves and two fish Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. Jesus feeding more than five thousand people with five loaves and two fish is narrated. Jesus has a hectic day preaching all day in a deserted place. People from nearby towns and villages come to listen to His life giving words. Towards the end of the day, the disciples are anxious to send the crowd away due to lack of food to feed such a big group. Jesus is generous. He tells the disciples that the people need not go away. Give them something to eat. The disciples are confused. Reluctantly they bring five loaves and two fish to Him. The crowds are made to sit down. Jesus blesses the loaves and fish and gives them to the disciples to distribute it to the crowds. Everyone eat their fill: More than five thousand people are fed and twelve baskets full of broken pieces are collected. In this context St. Francis of Assisi says: "For it is in giving that we receive." Gautham Buddha says: "Happiness never decreases by being shared." Mahatma Gandhi says: "There is enough food in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
Conclusion: Through this miracle Jesus teaches us to be generous with our resources: Our talents, our gifts and our possessions. When we are generous, God blesses our efforts and there is enough for everyone. It also makes us aware that God is compassionate to us in all our needs and we in turn should emulate this compassionate nature in our lives.
May the Lord Jesus, who multiplied fives loaves and two fish and fed the five thousand, bless you that you in turn, may be a blessing to others. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, August 2, 2026)
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