A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 15:29-37)
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?”
Just as Isaiah speaks of the LORD of hosts providing for his people from the mountain, Jesus goes up on a nearby mountain as people placed at his feet come to be cured. Matthew describes the scene: “The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.” The crowd had been with Jesus for three days, and still he has more to give them. “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd . . . for they have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” Here, Jesus’ compassion extends not only to those who came to be cured but also to those who brought them to his feet; in caring for others, they also come to Jesus for his sustenance.
“Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” the disciples ask. God, help me understand that how Jesus answers this reveals the nature of your being. In giving you thanks and dividing the seven loaves to feed the great crowds, Jesus reverses the natural order. Rather than breaking the seven loaves into smaller and smaller morsels, Jesus multiplies them and provides more—enough to fill seven baskets full. From your being, Lord, division doesn’t result in fractions but in unbroken abundance. In taking the loaves, breaking them, and giving thanks to you, Jesus provides more than enough for the crowd. In this deserted place of earthly exile, God, where could we ever get enough to satisfy? Give me the grace of compassion, trusting that in sharing the little I have to give, you will multiply with your divine power. Help me today find you in the true bread of life, at its source and summit in the Eucharist.
From the first reading: “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.