Homily on Saint Mark 8:1-9
Today we meditate on an impressive miracle narrated in the Gospel according to Saint Mark 8:1-9. This passage presents us with the second multiplication of the loaves and fishes, an act of divine mercy and providence.
Jesus, seeing the crowd that had followed him for three days without having anything to eat, feels compassion for them. The word “compassion” means feeling deep in your gut, a deep empathy that moves you to action. Our Lord not only sees people’s physical needs, but he also cares about their overall well-being. This compassion of Jesus shows us the merciful heart of God, always attentive to our needs.
The disciples, faced with the reality of feeding a large crowd in a desert place, express their disbelief: “How can anyone in this solitude provide them with abundant bread?” This question reflects the human limitation in situations that seem impossible. However, Jesus, like a good teacher, leads them to participate in the miracle by asking them how many loaves they have. They answer: “Seven.” Here we see an essential teaching: God uses the little we have to do great things. Jesus takes the seven loaves and, giving thanks, breaks them and gives them to his disciples to distribute. Then he does the same with a few minnows. Everyone ate their fill and there were seven baskets full left over.
This miracle reminds us of several fundamental truths for our life of faith:
Divine Providence
God always provides for our needs. Sometimes, we can feel in a desert, without seeing how our shortcomings will be resolved. But we must trust that God has the power to multiply our resources and fill our lives with his grace.
Thanksgiving
Before multiplying the loaves, Jesus gives thanks. This attitude of gratitude must be present in our lives, always recognizing the blessings we receive from God and giving thanks for them.
Active Participation
Jesus involved his disciples in the distribution of bread. This calls us to be instruments of God’s providence in the world. We must be willing to share what we have, trusting that God will multiply it.
Be Satisfied in God
Everyone ate until they were satisfied. This is a sign of the heavenly banquet and how in God we find full satisfaction. Our Lord invites us to turn to Him to find true spiritual satiety.
As this passage concludes, we see Jesus dismiss the crowd. He not only fed them physically, but also offered them the spiritual nourishment of his teaching and his presence. We, by participating in the Holy Mass and receiving the Eucharist, are also fed and sent into the world to witness his love and compassion.
Let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace to always trust in his providence, to be grateful and generous and to always seek true satiety in Him.
May God bless you and be with you always.
Seraphim Michael
Commemoration of the Apostle Saint Paul
Sunday, 30 June 2024
