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Gospel Reading for August 03, 2026 – Matthew 14: 13-21
GREAT MIRACLE
When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. 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. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.
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The disciples did not argue with Jesus when he told them there was no need to dismiss the crowds so they could buy food for themselves in the villages. Instead, they promptly did what he asked—they brought him the five loaves and two fish.
They then witnessed the GREAT MIRACLE of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Imagine feeding five thousand men, besides the women and children. Even the distribution of “ayuda” during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult to organize, and reaching such a large number of people would have been an enormous challenge.
Miracles happen when we allow God to lead the way and we faithfully follow; when all God’s children cooperate to accomplish a common goal. Jesus provided the leadership, the disciples organized the people, and someone generously offered five loaves and two fish.
The present situation in the Middle East seems to have no end in sight. Yet if everyone is willing to cooperate, and if all are inspired to choose dialogue and seek a solution that upholds justice and peace for all, we may yet witness a miracle.
Lord Jesus, help us achieve true unity and fellowship in our communities by following your example. Amen.
