Reflection
Somehow the healing miracles are more understandable than this healing miracle. How on earth did Jesus do it? we ask. But there is something about Jesus that enables him to meet the needs of people with great generosity. There was more left over than had originally existed.
Even if we feel we cannot do miracles, there are often times when we can see needs around us, that with some ingenuity and effective appeals can be happily met. Nothing will be done if we don’t try.
Have you ever been surprised by the effectiveness of your own or others help; maybe through crowd-funding or parish appeals or some other means?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to imagine you are in the scene.
Scripture
Matthew 14:13-21 WEB
Now when Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,
he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart.
When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.
Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude.
He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying,
“This place is deserted, and the hour is already late.
Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”
But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”
He said, “Bring them here to me.”
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass;
and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,
he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples;
and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
They all ate and were filled.
They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.
Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
When I needed a Neighbour: written by Sidney Carter, sung by Romsey Abbey choir.