Today we hear the account of the feeding of the 5000. There are so many interpretations one can take from this gospel reading.
I remember growing up as a child Sunday was always a day of feasting in our house. My grandmother would cook a large meal that consisted of a variety of yummy goods. There would always be family, friends, and even strangers at our house for a meal. If you wanted a meal and you came to our door you would get one.
This feast we shared on Sunday was not only a time for us to gather as a family but it also turned into times of helping others. Today I wonder what way you can help someone to be able to "feast" this coming week. It might not be in relation to food but maybe you can share or show love in someway.
SHORT SERVICE
GOSPEL READING AND CONTEMPLATION EXERCISE
Use these steps to ready todays gospel:
Matthew 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.”
Jesus 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.
ACTIVITY
SONG OF PRAISE:
FEEDING OF THE 5000 ICON
Examine the icon below. What elements from our gospel reading can you find?
