Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 4, 2025

Date: Monday of the 18^th Week in Ordinary Time/Memorial of St. John Vianney

Scripture Text:  Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place, and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." He said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over–twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today reveals the depth of Jesus’ concern for humanity. We see it in “his heart was moved with pity for them” and in his feeding of the multitude. Jesus shares our human nature in all ways except sin; He understands our human needs that arise from illness and hunger.

In the feeding of the multitude of five thousand men plus women and children, Jesus tries to teach the disciples (and us as we read) the role of gratitude and generosity in our world. Jesus takes the food and gives thanks for it, even though to everyone present it appears insufficient, and then rather than hoarding it, He orders that it be shared.  

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I grateful for what I have and have been given? Am I willing to share even when it seems insufficient?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for our lives and for your love. Grant that we may use both for your glory.

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Savior and brother, we seek to follow You. Grant that we may learn to be grateful for the gifts and graces we have received and that we will be willing to share them as selflessly as You have shown us we should.

Most Holy Spirit, stir within us and increase our sense of and use of the gifts and graces You bring to us as well as the earthly riches we may accumulate. Help us to be people of sincere gratitude and generous servants of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.