"My people heard not my voice, and Israel obeyed me not; So I gave them up to the hardness of their hearts; they walked according to their own counsels." Sing with joy to God our help.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 14:13-21, today's readings).

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.

Jesus has just heard of the death of John the Baptist. From the same chapter of Matthew's Gospel, we see Jesus respond to the new's that John's disciples shared with him. Matthew tells us that Jesus withdraws to a deserted place by himself by boat but the crowds soon find out about this and go by foot to meet him as he disembarks. Jesus' response to this is not at all what one might imagine. On hearing devastating news about his cousin John, withdrawing and insisting on time alone would be understood, even expected. Yet, Jesus sees the crowd and Matthew says that "his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick." When the disciples tell Jesus there is not enough food for the crowds and that they should go buy some, Jesus tells them: "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." By saying this, Jesus teaches them to provide for others as life-giving bearers of the word and also to give them a greater opportunity to trust completely in him, the true food of the Word made flesh.

Father in heaven, give me the true food I need today to sustain me in your compassion even as I look to the needs of others, as Jesus said, to give them some food myself. For the times today when I am unaware that you are present, orient me to you again so that I walk in your ways. Just as the crowds went on foot to meet Jesus at the other shore, I want to move with confidence throughout the day to know firsthand your ever-present healing and compassion. And give me the grace to be a means of that to others. Saint John Vianney, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:S%C3%A3o_Jo%C3%A3o_Maria_Vianney.png