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Gospel Reading for August 05, 2024 – Matthew 14: 13-21
MOVED WITH PITY
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.” He 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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Why did Jesus withdraw to be by himself when he heard of the death of John the Baptist? Perhaps, he wanted to grieve. After all, John was his first cousin and the one who paved the way for him. Perhaps, he felt some apprehension because he would now be the target and will suffer the same fate as John did. Perhaps, he knew it was a sign that his ministry would now be extensive. Whatever was his reason, the one reason that is for sure is that he needed to communicate with the Father in a very special way. It was one of those times when he needed his Father the most.
And truly, Jesus was so much bonded with the Father, because inspite of what he was going through, the sight of the vast crowd in so much need of help moved him with pity that he began to cure their sick and fed them.
Sometimes, our personal concerns and worries make us oblivious to the plight of those suffering around us. Although we may pity them, we are not moved. Pity is a feeling and unless translated into action, it remains just a feeling. We Christians have to remember that there will always be someone to feed or to help, and we always have something to give. Perhaps, if we always remind ourselves that everything we have comes from God, we will always be MOVED WITH PITY for those suffering around us.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, make our hearts like unto thine!
