He Always Provides

Readings for Monday August 2, 2010

First Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21


When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over — twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children. (Mt 14:13-21)

Remember when we were kids and we thought that our parents were so mean for not giving us all the things that we wanted? This would especially play out when we took trips to the grocery store, I would venture off to the toy aisle and begin looking around. Of course by the time my mom found me, I had picked out several toys of different price ranges. I would begin to ask for the more expensive one, then if that didn't work one of lower value. Most of the time I left with nothing, or so I thought. I had not realized that even though I did not get the toy that I wanted, I did get the things that I needed. Because while I was off looking for useless things that I did not need, my mother was off buying things that our family needed, like food and other household items.

This is the same lesson that we as children of God forget sometime. While we may not have everything that we desire on this earth, the Lord is always providing for us. This is a lesson that He tried to teach the many people in today's gospel. God always sees our needs, and we should take comfort in the fact that the Lord will always provide. Sadly, too many times we get caught up in what we do not have, that we forget that we have everything that we need. Sometimes, we take the most precious things in our life for granted, all because it may not be the "in thing" or the latest trend or fad. Sometimes we take things for granted out of sheer jealousy or envy from someone else. We often times miss God's blessings in our life, all because we have our attention and focus on worldly things, rather than the miracles of God.

The feeding of the five thousand is truly a miracle and a witness to the power of God. But the biggest miracle that it shows is that God is always there looking out for us; and our Father in heaven always sees our needs and provides.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are the way, the truth and the light; help us to never stray away from your perfect path. Lord, thank you for all the blessings in our life, help us to never take your gifts for granted, and help us to be good stewards of all that you give to us. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, in you we find perfect peace and comfort. Lord, help us to run this race well and to persevere until the end. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.