July 29th, 2024

                                      FIVE LOAVES AND TWO FISH
 
     The Christian knows he cannot solve all the problems of hunger, for the food given is quickly consumed and misery returns, but when the Lord asks us to contribute five loaves and two fish, we has the assurance that He will take care of multiplying it miraculously.
 
Sisters and brothers:
 
1. The prophetic act of the multiplication of the loaves has a meaning that goes beyond satisfying the stomach. A child offered what he had and Jesus commanded the apostles to distribute it. This means that our human contribution is needed for the miracle since it is the starting point for this wonderful communion. The Word of God encourages us to share the riches of the earth more wisely.
 
2. Man today suffers a spiritual void and we have a duty to satisfy it; understanding is the most sublime trait of love. Jesus shows us so much love in this episode! Sometimes it is hard for us to understand others and that is when love plays a key role, because if we love, we can easily be understood. It is what a woman said to her husband: "If you loved me, you would understand me." If we want to figure out what type of hunger the brother at our side or all of society is suffering from, we must learn from Jesus to love and understand their situation.
 
3. What is understanding? First of all, it is to get in tune with all hearts. Saint Augustine said: "Imitate good men, tolerate the bad men, and love everyone because you do not know how today's bad man will be     tomorrow." That is the love of Jesus to the thief, the adulteress, the Samaritan.
 
What is love? To love is to give oneself even though the heart is bleeding; it is to support others without being discouraged; is learning to stand in solidarity with others; it is to think well of others and also not to ask men and women more than they can give; it is to close your eyes and open your hand. Today's world needs men who know how to give and receive.
 
Love is an adventure and a risk. The Christian must always leave a trail of light behind, like a ship at sea. Do not be ashamed to call "brother" the beggar, the sick, the fallen or the man of dark skin, and let us not forget to treat our brothers with love and understanding.
 
Think of all the material and spiritual wealth that God has given you. These are the bread and the fish he wants you to offer so that he can multiply them and satisfy the hunger of those around you. The hunger for bread is satisfied by generously sharing, but the deepest hunger that must be satisfied is that of the spirit. See if you can understand, love, and give yourself to others to make them happy. If so, you will be happy your-self.
Source: Source: ePriest.com / Best Practices and Homily Resources for Catholic Priests