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. - Matthew 14:19-20
The Gospel readings for today remind me of the old saying, "Jesus doesn't call the equipped, rather, He equips those whom He calls". This saying means that Jesus doesn't always call those who have everything figured out, or who have a complete grasp on their life, or what have you. He gives you the necessary provisions needed for the task He calls you to. These Gospel readings are a prime example of this. Jesus tells His disciples to feed the multitudes, numbering to five thousand men, not even including women and children, even though they can only acquire five loaves and two fish. Jesus takes what they gave Him and MULTIPLIES it, making it more than sufficient for the task at hand. He fully equips them. This is what Jesus does for us as well. If we give Him our entire hearts and our whole lives, we will be more than sufficiently equipped to handle all the tasks He gives us. If we are to live out our call to Courageously Live the Gospel, we need to trust in the loving care the Lord gives us. We need to trust that He will give you the necessary provisions. We need to trust that He will fully equip us.
Do I trust in the Lord's generosity? Do I trust that He will equip me for my mission?
Blessed Mother, pray for us, that we may obtain the necessary provisions to Courageously Live the Gospel.
Today's Reflection is from:
Benjamin Harris
Did you know...
Benjamin Harris is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg and in his first St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, Florida. His home parish is St. Theresa in Spring Hill, Florida. He is an avid fan of Tampa Bay sports, however, he is a die-hard Indianapolis Colts fan. He enjoys cooking, playing sports, fishing, the outdoors, and talking about cars.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here
