Hello Families,
In our family life we can sometimes hear echoes of the disciples’ excuses: “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Sometimes this echo is heard from children squabbling about the last piece of cake. Sometimes it is heard in our concern about the limits of the family’s income or possessions. Sometimes this echo is heard in our complaints about the seemingly endless demands for our time and attention. Jesus understood these feelings and taught us to see beyond our limitations. Jesus modeled for us a compassion that reaches out to others, even when we would rather withdraw into ourselves. Jesus taught us that God blesses compassion offered to others with his grace. Today’s Gospel reminds us that with God there is not only enough, there is an abundance!
Talk together about some of the stresses and demands for time and attention that your family members might feel. Acknowledge that we sometimes have to make difficult choices about how to use our time, talents, and treasure. Then read together today’s Gospel, Matthew 14:13-21. Notice how much Jesus cared for the crowds, healing the sick even though he wanted to withdraw to a quiet place. Notice how the disciples responded to Jesus’ instruction to feed the crowd; they noted their limited supply of food. Jesus blessed this limited supply of food, and it was enough to feed the entire crowd, more than 5,000 people, and there were leftovers! Pray together that Jesus will grant us compassion like his so that we will offer whatever we have to others with compassion and generosity. Pray together today’s Psalm, Psalm 145, or the Lord’s Prayer.
Phyllis Chudzinski
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