Readings Isaiah 25:6-10, Ps 23, Matt.: 15:29-37
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
DON’T GIVE UP, THE LORD STILL CARES FOR THE SICK AND THE NEEDY
It’s always the desire of humanity to experience the intervention of God whenever they are passing through difficult situations. This is also the desire and disposition of the people of Israel as they awaited the coming of the Messiah as prophesied by the prophets.
So, in our Gospel passage today, Jesus fulfils his role as the expected Messiah who was to liberate his people from all kinds of diseases. The healing touch of Jesus in our Gospel reveals to all those who are in need that God is faithful to his promises. This healing and wholeness are offered as a sign of the presence of God’s kingdom among his people.
For Jesus did not just heal the sick, he also fed the crowd. This feeding of the crowd refers back to the journey of the people of God in the desert from Mount Sinai to the promised land. So, we need the food of the Eucharist for our journey to heaven which is our promised land. This bread is the gift that we receive from Jesus whose heart is always moved with pity and compassion towards humanity.
Here, Jesus did not bring the loaves and fish out of nowhere. Rather, he took what was offered to him and multiplied it greatly. We should never think we have little to share with others. Let us learn to share with others, and Jesus will provide for us greatly, for he is the one who feeds the hungry and gives them strength for their journey.
This is what Prophet Isaiah is telling us in our first reading that on this mountain, the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of rich food. He will wipe away the tears from every cheek; he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth. This is what we see in the life of St Francis Xavier, whose memorial we celebrate today.
Xavier was known to have conducted his life's work with great vitality and zeal. His missionary work came from the support and prayers he was receiving from those who sent him and from the manner in which he viewed his service. He was serving God and helping others. For he was helping others by helping them to find God.
Dear friends, Jesus wants us to learn how to be patient and trust God in times of trouble and tribulations for he alone knows the best time and how best to deal with our problems. For when that time comes he will restore us to his glory and set us free from all the evil forces around us, just like the people in our Gospel passage. All he wants from us is to constantly feed our souls with his Words and Eucharist as we journey towards his kingdom.
LET US PRAY: Lord God, as we struggle with the forces and troubles of this passing world, may we always find solace in your Word and Eucharist and so conquer our fear and challenges, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.
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