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Satisfaction

Can anything on this earth truly satisfy the deepest longing and hunger we experience? A great multitude had gathered to hear Jesus, no doubt because they were hungry for the word of life. Jesus’ disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day because they did not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money it would take to feed such a crowd — at least six month’s wages! Jesus, the Bread of Life, took the little they had — five loaves and two fish — and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed to all until they were satisfied of their hunger. The people of Israel had been waiting for the prophet whom Moses had promised: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren — him shall you heed (Deuteronomy 18:15). The signs which Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God has indeed sent him as anointed Prophet and King. Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels. What is the significance of this miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God’s provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses’ leadership. This food foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.

Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust in God’s provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who lack?

One Bread, One Body

<< Friday, April 20, 2012 >>

Saint of the Day

Acts 5:34-42
View Readings

Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

John 6:1-15

RISE AND FALL

"If their purpose or activity is human in its origins, it will destroy itself. If, on the other hand, it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them without fighting God Himself." —Acts 5:38-39

Without the risen Christ, our work falls apart, no matter how developed it is. For example, Theudas had four-hundred men join his cause. However, he was killed, and in the end his movement "came to nothing" (Acts 5:36). Judas the Galilean also "built up quite a following, but likewise died, and all his followers were dispersed" (Acts 5:37).

With the risen Christ, however, even the most insignificant resources are miraculously multiplied to feed the masses (Jn 6:11). Our little efforts become like a mustard seed from which a tree with many branches will rise (Mt 13:32). The daily routine offered to the risen Christ becomes like leaven that will raise our lives to miraculous power and significance (Mt 13:33).

Is your life and work showing signs of the resurrection or of deterioration? Are you on the rise, or falling apart? Jesus' resurrection not only transforms dead bodies but also "dead works" (see Heb 6:1; 9:14). Our future is either one of human decay or divine multiplication. The resurrection transforms both life after death and life before death. It makes life worth living and work worth doing.

Prayer: Risen Jesus, I give You all the loaves and fish of my life for You to multiply them.

Promise: "When the people saw the sign He had performed they began to say, 'This is undoubtedly the Prophet Who is to come into the world.' " —Jn 6:14

Praise: Reading the Bible encourages Mary to attend daily Mass, and Mass in turn encourages her to read the Scriptures more deeply.