Gospel Reflections for August 2 2020
Bring me what you have…
This Gospel begins with a story that could your story today.
Jesus has walked miles into the desert followed by thousands of people. Why is that? They have come to believe that finally there was a person who could answer their deepest questions, heal their wounds, and bring them relief from the overbearing and oppressive Roman military occupation.
However, their most immediate needs is hunger. They are a long way out in the desert and a long way from any source of food, and so they are very hungry.
We are now several months into our own long journey with Covid-19. People today are also hungry for answers to many sincere questions about the coronavirus and level of economic and social shut-down. They are hungry for human fellowship and hungry for the way things used to be. This is a Gospel for our time.
The Disciples tell Jesus that there is a food crisis for the people and that all they have is five loaves of bread and two fish. He tells them, “Bring to me what you have.” Our Lord prays over the food they bring …and it miraculously becomes enough to feed all five thousand …and with a lot left over!
Our Lord’s simple request is meaningful. He does not create a new menu for the people, but uses the very small amount of food the disciples already have and multiplies that instead. He will multiply what you bring Him as well.
If you think that your level of courage is too small, bring it to the Lord. If you think your level of faith, hope, and love is too small, bring each to the Lord. If you think your level of trust is too small, bring it to the Lord. Jesus loves to multiply what you bring Him!
This 2000 year old Gospel does not have the cure for the modern Coronavirus but it does have the timeless cure for how you respond to it in a healthy way. This is a time for courage, compassion, faith, hope, and love. These are the “medicines” you need to keep your soul healthy and your mind strong.
If you feel any of these are in short supply, then follow this Gospel story and bring them to Our Lord in prayer.
Our Lord loves to multiply what you bring Him. Now is the time.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Great reflection on bringing scripture into today’s problems and concerns. We continue to learn and profit from these words uttered 2000 years ago yet more relevant than ever.
Thanks for reminding us of their importance to our lives.
You are welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
So true and very helpful, as was your article on BLM. Thank you.
I feel as though society has turned into a family of little insects, scurrying about, worried, and yes, … controlled.
God bless you in everything you do.
Kathleen A.
Yes, we need calm and wise reasoning now more than ever!
Beautifully expressed Father Dave, Love multiplying Faith, Love, Hope, Courage, Compassion!! Wow if the whole world did that what a beautiful world we would have!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!!
Guess whoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
Thank you!
This Gospel message reminds me of my Apartment house. People hear don’t have a lot of money, however, when there is a need we gather together to try to help. One lady got a free refrigerator a microwave and table.. I could go on and on with a list but you got the picture. We have all background of people here, a Muslim family, one from Vietnam, many Latinos, a African American, etc. But we all put everything aside to help one another,
Just as I was typing this a neighbor stopped by and she made these delicious roles and brought it to me and boy is it goo so I think you got my meaning. I am going to enjoy my rolls. Bye for now.
You live in a great neighborhood!
I always enjoy reading your weekly articles. This one is a saver. I’ve never thought of the story of the Loaves/Fishes this way before. We should never feel our problems are too big, or our gifts too small to bring to God. In your words “Jesus loves to multiple what you bring him”. My file of saved “Gospel Reflections” keeps growing and multiplying. Sally Bossard
Thank you for your very kind words. I am glad that you find my articles helpful. I certainly enjoy writing them!