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Gospel Reading for December 03, 2025 – Matthew 15: 29-37
HOLISTIC
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
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Jesus was a magnet for the sick, the deformed, the possessed, the handicapped, and all others who were in need not only of physical healing but spiritual healing. There were always great crowds not only who brought those in need of healing, but who also listened intently to his teachings. But of course. Jesus’ teachings always brings hope to the downtrodden. And, compared to the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees Jesus’ teachings makes the laws of God easily but deeply understood. One proof of how great his teachings are, is the 2.3 to 2.4 billion Christian population all over the world more than 2,000 years after his death.
His teaching is HOLISTIC. He is concerned not only about the hunger of spirit, but also physical hunger. This is something we, as a Church have to reflect upon. We may think that the sacraments and catechesis is enough to fulfill our mission. We also have to be concerned for those suffering material poverty. Perhaps we lavishly spend to adorn our church altars, images, etc. when the money is better spent on feeding, providing free health services, or helping the poor with livelihood programs. Surely, a million pesos spent for the dress of an image is scandalous when there is so much poverty around!
Lord Jesus, may we learn to go back to the basics – your simple but profound teaching!
