REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 01/04/22 (Tuesday After Epiphany)

Mark 6:34,43-44

34 As He went ashore He saw a great throng, and He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

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https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Tuesday after the Epiphany! In our gospel reading, we see the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. It is important to take note that before Jesus fed them, He taught them many things. He was moved by His compassion because He knew that people who did not know the Truth would not have peace and salvation. Then, the 5,000 men were hungry, and they did not have food. Rather than casting them away, our Lord Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fishes and distributed it to feed everyone. Even though it's naturally impossible to feed everyone by their food, the miracle took place because the disciples entrusted everything to Him in order to nourish the people. 

In our lives, there are many people who are hungry and thirsty for the truth of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that He reveals the fullness of this truth in the Catholic Church. We may know some family members and friends who are not actively practicing the faith. Some of them openly oppose the teachings of His Church, not just through words, but also through actions. Many people offend our God because they are not aware of His teachings. But, why are we sometimes discouraged in sharing the faith with them? For some of us, we may think that they can be offended by the truth. However, we should be compassionate to them by reflecting on what will happen to others if they do not accept His truth rather than seek approval from other people. Maybe, we do not know what to say and how to invite them to deeper relationship with God. Perhaps, He is inviting us to entrust our concerns to Him and discern His will in prayer how we can approach them.

Do we tell to our family members and friends the importance of going to Mass and other prayers if an opportunity arises? Do we tell with respect to others how we can follow the will of God? Just as how Jesus taught the people who were hungry for Truth, we can be His instruments in leading the people around us to His Truth. When we deepen our relationship with God through the sacraments, prayers and the gospel, we will be delivered from evil. There are times when we find it difficult because we discern that others are not open to Truth or that so many people offend Him. Even if it appears impossible, let us entrust all of them in our prayers just as how the disciples entrusted their concerns to Jesus. We can have the hope that our Lord will grant the miracle of conversion and spiritual nourishment to many souls. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic