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July 23, 2021Reflection for 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 25, 2021
(2 Kings 4:42-44): This reading, concerning the works and miracles associated with the prophet, Elisha describes the multiplication of twenty loaves of barley bread, such that they fed one hundred people; with some left over. We can still ponder with awe this story of the sharing of God’s bounty and its wonderful example of trusting in God to supply more than enough for all. As we see, God more than supplies enough for all. There is, as promised, some left over. Notice how the giver of the loaves, Aman, truly gives his best; from the first-fruits of his crop and from “fresh grain in the ear.” Pondering this fact, we might ask ourselves if we’re giving God the best of ourselves, in terms of time, effort and sincere desires to love and serve both God and others.
(Psalm 145: “The hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs.”): Today’s psalm is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God. We are being encouraged to share our faith with others by telling them of God’s glory and of His might. As the song proceeds, we’re reassured that our God is attentive and generous and that He is enormously perceptive; anticipating all of our needs. The song concludes with a tone of celebration and thanksgiving; that our God is just and attentive and ever near; with ears open to the prayers of those who approach Him with sincerity, honesty, faith and confidence.
(Ephesians 4:1-6): Today, St. Paul encourages us to “live in a manner, worthy of the call,” or to try to live more virtuously; giving evidence of practicing or demonstrating the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit. Paul pleads with us to be humble, gentle and patient with others and with ourselves. We are asked to be bearers of and examples of love; sacrificing for one another and being forgiving of others’ struggles and faults. In fact, we’re being asked to imitate Jesus and to follow His saintly example. We are being asked, as Jesus requested, to work for unity and peace. This means a lot of apologizing and a lot of forgiving. No one has said it will be easy to follow our Lord, but we know that our journey of efforts to do so will be filled with joy!
(John 6:1-15): Today’s Gospel story is about a much greater miracle of the multiplication of food than we saw in Second Kings, today. Interestingly, it’s also about multiplying barley loaves, but on a much greater scale and with only a quarter of the loaves. This time, instead of twenty loaves feeding one hundred people, it’s five loaves and two fish, feeding what is believed to have been about five thousand people! The much greater magnitude of the miracle tells us that we’re dealing with a much greater prophet… Jesus, the Son of God, rather than Elisha, a great prophet, but a merely human one.
Like the story in 2nd Kings, there was food left over; this time, twelve wicker baskets full! Again, we’re given to know that God supplies MORE than what we need. God gives extra. Notice how confidently Jesus prays. He starts by confidently thanking God. Then, Jesus begins to minister to the crowd; handing out the loaves and trusting God to provide for the needs of all. There’s a message for all of us this week. Turn to God. Ask Him. Trust Him to provide not just enough… but extra! Decide to have faith.
With confidence in God,
Deacon Matt
