Today’s Gospel reading is Matthew 14:13-21. It is the feast of the dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. This basilica was built after the Council of Ephesus in the year 431, when Mary was affirmed as the Theotokos, the Mother of God.

Why build and celebrate the dedication of this Basilica? It helps remind us that Mary accompanies us by her intercession & prayer. In the Gospel today, the apostles bring to Jesus five loaves and two fish. In a certain way, they intercede just as Mary intercedes and prays for us, that we might receive the graces necessary for our lives.

When we celebrate the dedication of a Church, we also remember the universality of the Church. 

Praised Be Jesus Christ!