Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 4, 2024

Date: Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent

Scripture Text: Matthew 15:29-37

At that time:

Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?" Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" "Seven," they replied, "and a few fish." He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today taken from the Gospel of Matthew reveals anew for us the extent of the LORD’s loving care and concern for us. Matthew recounts how Jesus sat with the people, healed all those brought to Him, and cared about their physical hunger. The miracle of the feeding of the multitude also foreshadows for us Jesus own death for the salvation of humanity. Who would have thought seven loaves and a few fish would have fed a multitude? Who would have thought one life would be sufficient to atone for all of humanity?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I not act because I view my gifts or contributions too insufficient to matter? Do I bring my needs to Christ recognizing His concern for “all” of me.

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, as we continue our advent journey, we lift our hearts and voices to You in praise and thanksgiving for your loving care for us and your willingness to give your beloved Son to us for our life and our salvation. As we go forward into our days, grant that the Spirit may equip us with good judgment, with faith, and with the courage to act for the good of others and in service to You. Help us to set down our doubts and our fears of inadequacy and pick up instead our desire to lovingly bring all you’ve given to us to the moment for your glory and to serve our sisters and brothers. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.