Fr. Joeven Matugas sx
Reflection on the readings of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time by Fr. Joeven Matugas, sx
The Crowds of people in the Gospel were running after Jesus. They sought him because they were in great need. They needed to be cured. They were also hungry. Viewing the situation of the world at present because of this pandemic, people do have many urgent needs. First, the need of God. This time may be an opportunity for all of us, especially Christians, to deepen our connections with the Lord. We are given the chance to look at ourselves and reflect. We should be able to read and understand this present situation through the eyes of faith. We hope that the world will be renewed when we get over this pandemic. Secondly, we look for God because we expect Him to grant our wishes and satisfy our human longings and desires. Jesus saw that the crowds were hungry and could not dismiss them in that condition. He provided them food. Thirdly, Jesus performed a great miracle by multiplying the bread. Five loaves and two fish were a very little amount to satisfy thousands of people. But Jesus cared for them. No one left hungry. He is the true Shepherd. All the people were glad and satisfied after they had eaten. Fourthly, the Lord went to a lonely place to pray. Prayer is very important in our life's journey of faith. As creatures, we have to pray. We have to worship the Father as the source and creator of life. The words of St. Paul in the Second Reading (Romans 8:35,37-39) speak clearly to us; "Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of Him who loved us".
Reflection on the readings of the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time by Fr. Joeven Matugas, sx
The Crowds of people in the Gospel were running after Jesus. They sought him because they were in great need. They needed to be cured. They were also hungry. Viewing the situation of the world at present because of this pandemic, people do have many urgent needs. First, the need of God. This time may be an opportunity for all of us, especially Christians, to deepen our connections with the Lord. We are given the chance to look at ourselves and reflect. We should be able to read and understand this present situation through the eyes of faith. We hope that the world will be renewed when we get over this pandemic. Secondly, we look for God because we expect Him to grant our wishes and satisfy our human longings and desires. Jesus saw that the crowds were hungry and could not dismiss them in that condition. He provided them food. Thirdly, Jesus performed a great miracle by multiplying the bread. Five loaves and two fish were a very little amount to satisfy thousands of people. But Jesus cared for them. No one left hungry. He is the true Shepherd. All the people were glad and satisfied after they had eaten. Fourthly, the Lord went to a lonely place to pray. Prayer is very important in our life's journey of faith. As creatures, we have to pray. We have to worship the Father as the source and creator of life. The words of St. Paul in the Second Reading (Romans 8:35,37-39) speak clearly to us; "Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of Him who loved us".