Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Today’s Gospel reminded me of when I was cooking dinner recently for the birthday of one of the Sisters in my community. As I looked at the ingredients and started chopping vegetables, I wondered if this was enough food for them and our guests. Turns out, it was too much food. I had to transfer my cooking to bigger pots and pans, and we had leftovers. Somewhat similarly, the disciples didn’t have much to feed the crowd, but Jesus was able to serve the several loaves and few fish to feed thousands. As I read and reflect on this reading, I see two lessons. One is that following Jesus Christ means to give generously even if we have very little. Generosity includes entrusting God with the gifts that we have and being assured that what we have is enough. Jesus challenges us to recognize and discern how to use our talents and time.
The other lesson from this Gospel asks a question: What satisfies us? Jesus was able to nourish the thousands of people in the crowd. Does Jesus nourish us or rather do we find nourishment in Jesus? Are we open to what God can give us? This Gospel passage teaches that God is the one who can give us what we need. Therefore, we place our hope in God and center our lives around God. Doing so allows compassion for others, more generosity in ourselves, and the ability to see more clearly God’s mercy in our lives.
-Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI