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Created: 02 August 2020

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A

The Gospel of this Sunday, Matthew (Mt 14:13-21), recalls the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves that Jesus performed in a deserted place.

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. (Matthew 14:19-21)

Through the Scriptures, we come to know that Jesus always shows his love for us people in every circumstance of life. He cured all kind of diseases - fevers, blood disorders, paralysis, blindness, deaf and dumb, leprosy. He drove away demons from possessed persons. He raised the dead. Today’s Gospel tells us one more miracle of Jesus - recalls the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves to feed thousands of people in the wilderness.

Many scripture commentators pointed out that this miracle foretells the Eucharist that Jesus instituted on the night before his passion.

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26: 26-28)

Indeed, the Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper was the most specious gift that Jesus left us - far greater than multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men in the wilderness. The Eucharist is Jesus’ greatest gift to us - a treasure whose value cannot be measured. For this is the Flesh and Blood of God, the food that gives everlasting life to those who believe and receive it.

Jesus, for loving mankind, has given himself to us. How do we respond to his love? Are we filled with joy when we receive Jesus in the Eucharist? Do we feel worthy to welcome Jesus in this sacrament? Is our life always a song of praise to God's love?

May God have mercy on us all!

Fr. Phi Nguyen