Ordinary Time, 17th Sunday (B)

I notice three lessons from the multiplication of the five loaves and the two fish:

First, we are hungry. Humans have many deep needs. We need to feel valuable, to know that we are good, to feel that we matter, to be seen and known by others, to live with security and a sense of justice, to have a life of meaning and purpose, to find peace and contentment, and to live in communion... to name some important ones. We are not honest with ourselves about how needy we are. We grasp at people and things around us to fill these needs. In doing so, we fall into the seven deadly sins.

Secondly, we see that Jesus is attentive to the peoples' needs. Jesus sees you. Jesus knows the desires of your heart, and Jesus intends to satisfy you. Instead of grasping at things, you can pursue a relationship with him. Only those who make the effort to follow Jesus are actually fed.

Thirdly, when we realize that we are needy, and what we have is not enough to satisfy us, the temptation is to grasp for more. Scripture invites us to take the little we do have and give it to God and others. God will be able to bless those gifts and make them more than enough. We will experience for ourselves that, "the hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs."

(28 Jul 2024)

Going Deeper: Do you realize that behind the seven deadly sins are actually healthy, normal desires? Take a moment to reflect on one of the sins that you struggle with and what good, healthy, but misguided desire(s) might be feeding your desperate grasping.

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