Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
As disciples of Christ, we are called to serve others as a way of giving glory to God. The Jesuits (founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola) use the term “Magis” (Latin for “more”) to inspire people to seek ways to do more for Christ. Magis is closely related to the motto of the Jesuits- Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (For the Greater Glory of God.) Jesus does all things for the glory of God the Father, and He invites us to join Him in doing the same. We can do the “Magis” by reflecting on how we can find ways to allow God to be at the center of all that we think, say and do.
In today’s gospel story, Jesus is moved with pity for the large crowd that has been with Him for three days. Without food, Jesus is concerned that they will be unable to make the long journey home. Jesus invites the disciples to gather the bread and fish that is available for sharing – 7 loaves and a few fish. Jesus gives thanks and blesses the offerings, and the disciples distribute the food. Everyone is satisfied, and there are over seven baskets of extra fragments that remain after feeding 4000 people. Jesus identifies the need of the people, and then uses the small amount of food to feed the many. His actions reflect God’s great love. Jesus does not just give “enough” to satisfy, but Jesus’ giving is abundant- just like God’s love. Jesus shows His disciples how to do “more” for others. By His example, Jesus shows His followers how to use the little we have and through our gratitude and surrender make it an abundant blessing for others.
The feeding of the multitude is a foreshadowing of the Last Supper and the great gift of the Eucharist. Jesus gives thanks and blesses the bread, and then shares Himself with all. This giving of self is the perfect act of surrender. Jesus places His life in the Father’s Hands, and through His trust in the Father’s love, Jesus’ passion and death is transformed into the risen life. Jesus again provides the example of how we are called to imitate Him by being transformed through God’s grace, so we can be like Him and bring God’s healing and love to the world.
For those who talk about “Magis” there is a word of caution. We are being called to do more, to be better and to do greater things, but it is not about just doing more for us. The context of the “more” is really centered around how we can focus what we do and say, so we do what God wants. God has given each of us gifts, and we are called to take these small offerings and give them to God for blessing and sharing. St. Ignatius spent time posing these questions to those around him. “What have you done for God? What are you doing for God? What more can you do for God?” When we use these questions to discern how we choose to use our time and talents, we can find better ways to do the “Magis” for Christ. The beauty of this perspective is that when we choose to do more for Christ, we also do what Fr. Barton Geger S. J. says is the “Magis- the more universal good” for others. We do more for others when Christ is at the center of all that we think, say and do. We do not have to possess a great amount in order for God to bring abundant blessing and love. Our “Magis” becomes Christ-like when God blesses it, we give thanks, we share what we have and then we give God the glory for all that God has done. The more we live in this way, where we allow the “Magis” to direct our decisions, the more we become who God has created us to be.
Loving God, Jesus shows us how we are called to give who we are to share with others. Send us Your Spirit so we can keep our eyes on You and recognize Your will for us. May we always choose the “Magis” where we allow You to transform us into vehicles of love and healing for the world. In our surrender to Your will, may others recognize You in our lives, and may all that we do always give You the greater glory. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline