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The Gospel Proclamation
Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out - beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have ears and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve”. And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven”. Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Prayerful Awareness
“The Word of God is alive and active” says St. Paul. Therefore, let us try to reflect on today’s scripture passage, not in a historical perspective. But, let us try to look at these words through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit ... and reflect on the passage. Yes, the Word of God is alive and active, it is relevant for today, somehow ...
Let us contemplate on verse 13, which obviously has a relationship to this passage - “Then, he left them, got into the boat again and went off to the other shore.” Symbolically, these words can be understood to represent our life journey from this world to the next. (to the shore). The disciples are on a journey, together with Jesus. Similarly let us presume that we too are journeying life’s journey with Jesus. Let us assume that Jesus is the Lord of our life.
Then what happens? We encounter problems and difficulties as verse 14 describes to us - “They had forgotten to bring bread and they had only one loaf with them, in the boat.” They were short of bread. We too face life’s problems. But, Jesus draws their attention to their previous experience, where, Jesus multiplied the loafs of bread and solved their problems. Problems we face in life need not necessarily be material, but spiritual too.
Similarly, when we journey this life with Jesus, when we make Jesus the Lord of our life, we need not worry, when confronted with problems - material or spiritual. Jesus will take care of us until we reach the shore - the end of our life, here on earth. Jesus reminds us to draw strength from our past experiences, where God had intervened.
Prayer Starter
Happy those whom You guide Lord, whom You teach by Your instruction, You give them rest, from evil days. (Ps,. 94:12 ...)
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