First reading
Numbers 11:4-15
The sons of Israel began to wail, ‘Who will give us meat to eat?’ they said. ‘Think of the fish we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic! Here we are wasting away, stripped of everything; there is nothing but manna for us to look at!’
The manna was like coriander seed, and had the appearance of bdellium. The people went round gathering it, and ground it in a mill or crushed it with a pestle; it was then cooked in a pot and made into pancakes. It tasted like cake made with oil. When the dew fell on the camp at night-time, the manna fell with it.
Moses heard the people wailing, every family at the door of its tent. The anger of the Lord flared out, and Moses greatly worried over this. And he spoke to the Lord:
‘Why do you treat your servant so badly? Why have I not found favour with you, so that you load on me the weight of all this nation? Was it I who conceived all this people, was it I who gave them birth, that you should say to me, “Carry them in your bosom, like a nurse with a baby at the breast, to the land that I swore to give their fathers”? Where am I to find meat to give to all this people, when they come worrying me so tearfully and say, “Give us meat to eat”? I am not able to carry this nation by myself alone; the weight is too much for me. If this is how you want to deal with me, I would rather you killed me! If only I had found favour in your eyes, and not lived to see such misery as this!’ The word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 80(81):12-17
Gospel
Matthew 14:13-21
Now Moses had to contend with a great multitude of people, as the bible records in Exodus 12:37, that 600,000 men (not counting women and children or foreigners that joined them) were on this journey from Egypt to the promised land. I have never envied Moses for the task he was given, he was a great leader and like every human being he had his weak moments. Moses was actually trained to be a leader – he lived in the Egyptian palace as a prince (Exodus 2:1-10). In addition to that, God called him, so he had the backing and power of the omnipotent God. God expected him to deliver and his task was to – “Carry them in your bosom, like a nurse with a baby at the breast, to the land that I swore to give their fathers”? But today he is tested, by the pleas and weaknesses of others. Can he bear their pain? What can he do? What would he do? And his compassion burns out for them.
Jesus, on the other hand, seems to have a much easier task. Or does he? He has over 5,000 men to feed (women and children not counted), and the only provision available is five loaves of bread and two fish. Like Moses, he is out there in the wilderness far from supplies, and who should Jesus cry to? What can he do? You would notice, Jesus didn’t panic, he knew the power conferred upon him. Yesterday we reflected on the event of the Transfiguration and discussed about Jesus’ unique status and position in creation and for all creation. Today we are given a taste of Jesus’ power over situations. His role as an intercessor and a solution to problems. And indeed the large crowd is feed from the supplies of five loaves of bread and two fish.
Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children. The gospel of the Lord.
Reflection
Today we are presented with two unique stories that touch my heart so dearly. We learn about the grave responsibilities of a leader and the compassion of a perfect intercessor. It is said that – unease lies the head that wears the crown, no wonder Solomon prayed for wisdom to lead God’s people when he was made king. (1 King 3:5-9 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-10). Moses and Jesus gives us insights to leadership, compassion and intercession.
Now Moses had to contend with a great multitude of people, as the bible records in Exodus 12:37, that 600,000 men (not counting women and children or foreigners that joined them) were on this journey from Egypt to the promised land. I have never envied Moses for the task he was given, he was a great leader and like every human being he had his weak moments. Moses was actually trained to be a leader – he lived in the Egyptian palace as a prince (Exodus 2:1-10). In addition to that, God called him, so he had the backing and power of the omnipotent God. God expected him to deliver and his task was to – “Carry them in your bosom, like a nurse with a baby at the breast, to the land that I swore to give their fathers”? But today he is tested, by the pleas and weaknesses of others. Can he bear their pain? What can he do? What would he do? And his compassion burns out for them.
Jesus, on the other hand, seems to have a much easier task. Or does he? He has over 5,000 men to feed (women and children not counted), and the only provision available is five loaves of bread and two fish. Like Moses, he is out there in the wilderness far from supplies, and who should Jesus cry to? What can he do? You would notice, Jesus didn’t panic, he knew the power conferred upon him. Yesterday we reflected on the event of the Transfiguration and discussed about Jesus’ unique status and position in creation and for all creation. Today we are given a taste of Jesus’ power over situations. His role as an intercessor and a solution to problems. And indeed the large crowd is feed from the supplies of five loaves of bread and two fish.
We are called to be leaders in various degrees and we are charged with different responsibilities in varying proportions according to our ability. God is confident about what we can do and expects us to reach out to him in thanksgiving for support. We must take responsibility for the ward(s) placed in our care – we can’t abandon them in their weakness or when we sense danger. There is always a solution, if you are confused, run to Jesus – he is the perfect intercessor.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for today! I thank you for your love and power that surrounds me. I accept today’s challenges with thanksgiving because in it, your name alone would be glorified. Give me the wisdom I need to live according to your will and to lead my family, friends and country to the Kingdom of heaven. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!
Speechless…