Have you ever been in a situation where you're experiencing a loss or a significant emotional event, but yet must pull yourself together for the sake of others? It might happen to parents or friends who must keep control over their own emotions so that they can be with their children or others who need attention. It also happens to priests.
Even our Lord Jesus experienced this as we read in Matthew's Gospel. Jesus has been told of the death of John the Baptist and feels sorrow, such that He needs some alone time. Yet the people still hungered for His word and followed Him to the shore. Their location was a good distance from town, and no one had planned to be that far from town where the food was. The disciples recommended that the followers be left to fend for themselves. Jesus instead instructs the disciples to take care of them. That must have been shocking to the twelve, who only had a couple of fish and five loaves of bread. But they were obedient and did what Jesus asked. Jesus took the bread, said a blessing, broke it and gave it to them. Sounds familiar doesn't it? Not only did the five loaves and two fish feed 5000 people, they had 12 baskets of leftovers. It was a miracle.
There are many lessons drawn from this experience. It shows us that when we believe and put our trust in God, the things that seem impossible are, in fact, possible when we do our best to focus on the needs of others. Jesus needed some time alone to gather His thoughts and reconnect with the Father after the loss of John the Baptist. Instead of being angry or questioning John's death, He served those gathered and gave thanks to God for the food that was provided. This was also a precursor to the miracle we experience each time we go to Mass and receive the Eucharist.
By surrendering the difficult times we're going through, and turning them over to the Lord, we can experience the miracles that life brings us every day. Have the courage today to feed someone who hungers to know God.
Today's reflection was written by...
Bishop Gregory Parkes
Did you know...
Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes is the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg. Prior to his appointment to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Parkes served as the fifth Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee from 2012-2016. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando on June 26, 1999. Before answering the call to the priesthood, Bishop Parkes worked for several years in Tampa's banking industry.
