A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mt 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.
REFLECTION
"he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself."
St John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, had just been martyred by King Herod. Great sorrow for our Lord as well as for the followers of St John the Baptist. They mourned the loss of a great prophet. The humanity of Jesus was never so obvious as when he heard the painful news and sought to be alone. He had known him many years before as a young boy and He had called him the greatest person among all men.
What Jesus thought when in solitude we don't know. But we are reminded that we, too, need to seek quiet and solitude. And the example by Jesus, shows us that in spite of loss, fear, disappointment, and being in darkness and suffering, Jesus is always there during our trials.
Let us invoke His holy name in the Jesus Prayer: Breathe in JEE and Breathe out SUS.
God Bless You
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