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One Bread One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 1

<< Wednesday, December 4, 2013 >>

St. John of Damascus

Isaiah 25:6-10
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Psalm 23:1-6

Matthew 15:29-37
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PICNIC TIME

"Then [Jesus] directed the crowd to seat themselves on the ground." —Matthew 15:35

Jesus is always full of surprises. Today He invites us to a Christmas picnic, of all things, a picnic on God's holy mountain. The view is gorgeous, and the food delectable, "rich food and choice wines" (Is 25:6). The entertainment is overwhelming. First, He removes the veil so we can see and there's nothing to separate us from each other (Is 25:7). The view from the mountain is now breathtaking. Next, Jesus destroys the web which has caught us (Is 25:7-8). Now we're totally free, breathing in the exhilarating mountain air and leaping for joy. We wish it would never end. So Jesus destroys death forever, and it will never end (Is 25:8).

Some have just come to the picnic. They are labored and burdened, battered by the world, with tears in their eyes and pain in their hearts. Jesus gently and lovingly wipes away "the tears from all faces" and removes their reproach (Is 25:8).

The Lord has done it all. God is now all in all (1 Cor 15:28). There's nothing left to do but rejoice in the Lord always and forever (Phil 4:4). "This is the Lord for Whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that He has saved us!" (Is 25:9)

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the mountain, the picnic, and for You.

Promise: "[Jesus] took the seven loaves and the fish, and after giving thanks He broke them and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. All ate until they were full." —Mt 15:36-37

Praise: St. John of Damascus opposed heretics, making Christian enemies. God arranged for Muslim rulers to protect his life.

Regnum Christi

Jesus is the Bread of Life

| SPIRITUAL LIFE | SPIRITUALITY

Wednesday of the First Week of Advent

Father John Doyle, LC

Matthew 15:29-37

At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. 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. 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?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I now turn confidently to you, who are my friend and savior. You are always watching over me and protecting me, whether I’m mindful of you or not. Thank you. I love you, and I’m grateful for these moments to refresh myself in your presence.

Petition: My Jesus, give me an unshakeable confidence in your unconditional love.

1. Jesus on the Mountain: Jesus is the focal point of history and of all human aspirations. Even when he goes to out-of-the-way places, as is the case in this Gospel passage, he is sought after. He strides by the Sea of Galilee and scales up the mountain, and all humanity seeks him out. He doesn’t interrogate them about their past or condemn them for their sins. He simply gives to each what he or she needs: to the blind, sight; to the mute, the gift of speech; to the deaf, hearing. Imagine for a moment this poor mass of humanity around the Master. Place yourself with them. Your turn comes, and suddenly it is as if the crowd disappears and you are alone with Jesus. He looks into your eyes with loving concern and asks what you are seeking––even though he already knows it. My Jesus, it is you that I seek. Heal me, and do not let any sin separate me from you today.

2. “They Have Nothing to Eat.” Love is not always very practical. Jesus’ heart is moved with compassion for all those who have sought him out. He knows the sacrifices that they have made in searching him out, and he is not going to leave them disappointed. The disciples saw only the practical problem, but in his charity towards his neighbor, Jesus all but ignores it. What can I learn from Christ’s attitude? Will I ever be let down or not be satisfied if I seek Christ with a sincere heart?

3. The Bread of Life: The miracle that Jesus works in multiplying the loaves is a prelude to an even greater miracle he plans to bring about. Jesus knows the longings of our hearts, and he knows that material food has its limits, even when it is abundant. St Augustine states, “You made us for yourself, Oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” How can I not trust that Jesus will always provide for what I truly need, after his lowering himself to appear as bread so that we can feed on him and be satisfied?

Conversation with Christ:My Jesus, I have a very wayward heart. I know that you are the only one who can fulfill the longing of my soul; yet so often I put my confidence in the fleeting things of this world instead. Reassure my heart that you will always provide for me if I put all my trust in you. Keep me going up the mountain towards your heavenly Kingdom, where you will be all in all.

Resolution: I will pause sometime during the day––perhaps before lunch––and make a spiritual communion by inviting Christ into my heart. I will thank him for the gift of himself in the blessed Eucharist and renew my confidence in him.