The Multiplication of Bread

   

  The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

19 June 2022 

 

First Reading: Gn 14:18-20

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4

Second Reading: 1 Cor 11:23-26

Gospel: Lk 9:11b-17

 

Reflection

By: Fely Santiago

 

"Give them some food yourselves."

I just so love this Sunday on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. He is truly the living bread that came down from heaven and as He promised, whoever eats this bread will live forever and will never be hungry.

This is what keeps me in the Catholic faith. I have nothing against the other faiths or denominations. This is my personal experience and conviction. I have been to their Sunday celebrations and also been tried to be converted but I continue to hold on to our Catholic faith because of the Eucharist. There is nothing that can be compared with the consecration of the body and blood of Jesus Christ at mass. It's a feast! It completes our Sunday celebration. A celebration is not complete without food! And for us Filipinos we love food that's why we have grand celebrations during Feast of the Saints in our provinces. And Jesus loves to eat with His disciples because this is our basic need every day. That's why in the Our Father God teaches us to pray for our daily bread because that's what He wants to provide for us every day. And in the Gospel today in the multiplication of bread, we can again see how God cares for our basic need which is food. And He did not allow the disciples to send the people away, instead, He make do with what is available from the generosity of those who can give five loaves and two fish, and perform His miracle to feed the five thousand, not counting women and children. And what's even more amazing, everyone was fed to their satisfaction and yet, there were still leftovers that filled twelve wicker baskets! This is really a lesson on sharing and generosity. When we share the little that we have, God cannot be outdone in generosity and gives us even more!

And it's very consoling that finally after more than two years of pandemic, we can finally celebrate with our loved ones and families over sumptuous food! We are able to celebrate with the family again even if we are still in the pandemic because at least the Covid cases has gone down. We can celebrate birthdays, weddings, baptisms, graduations, and anything that calls for a celebration, and celebrations will never be complete without food! And let's not just forget to share our blessings especially those who have no food at their table.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, You can never be outdone in generosity. Thank You for always providing for our daily bread and all our needs. Thank You for the gift of the Eucharist in our Masses to fill our spiritual hunger. We ask for the grace to be generous to the needs of others. Make us instrument of Your love and generosity. All these we pray in the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.