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.”
Matthew 15:32
They persisted for three days without food. Three days! Before we learn of Jesus’ miracle of feeding the multitude, we first learn of the hunger and discomfort that those early followers were willing to experience because of Him. They weren’t in their homes, they weren’t surrounded by conveniences, they hadn’t eaten…and yet they were happy. As Advent begins, our time of awaiting the great presence of the Lord’s Incarnation, opt for being with the Lord even if it leads to a place away from comforts and securities. Should He move you towards self-sacrifice, fasting, penances, or almsgiving, get excited because, as this passage shows, that is where miraculous things happen.
How might I allow myself to become hungry for the kingdom?
Jesus, give me the grace to remain with you through the hungers of my life.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did you know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered the seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination, he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
