This Week
Food is very important; we tend to take it for granted as it is so plentiful for us, but it wasn’t like that in Jesus’ day. People were so thankful to God when they had enough to eat. Food figures a lot in the Bible, as in our first reading and psalm – the Lord provides, and the people give thanks. Our Gospel event took place ‘shortly before the Jewish feast of the Passover’, food figures in that – the sacrificial lamb from which comes the term ‘the Lamb of God’. Food is essential for our wellbeing and Jesus made use of it on many occasions to show God’s providence, generosity and care.
We have five thousand men plus the rest gathered together, a lot of people, all physically and spiritually hungering, Jesus wants to feed them. There’s a small boy ‘with five loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’ It turns out to be more than enough, because the boy is willing to share what he has, and Jesus does the rest.
I’ve heard it said that the real miracle of the feeding of the five thousand was that everybody sat down together – rich and poor, good and bad, Jew and Gentile – and shared what they had. The scripture scholars wouldn’t go with that one but nevertheless it makes an important point – sharing makes the difference.
God shared himself with us in Jesus, shared great love and compassion, gave himself up to suffer and die for us and still today he shares himself with us in Holy Communion. At the heart of our faith is a God who never stops giving, never stops sharing himself, and sharing is the key to happiness.
People in depression start to come out of it when they start to give and receive. The thanks and appreciation of others lifts their spirits and helps them feel good about themselves. If we’re all closed in, grasping and grabbing; worrying and anxious about others trying to get what we’ve got then we are unhappy people. However, if we are open, loving and giving, then we have a God-given joy for we are being Christlike. Yes, some will take advantage, but most will be glad to know us and share with us.
In the Gospel they ended up with more than they started with – that's God for you -’give and you will receive... a full measure’ pressed down and shaken together will be poured into your lap.’ We can’t outdo God in generosity.
We have five thousand men plus the rest gathered together, a lot of people, all physically and spiritually hungering, Jesus wants to feed them. There’s a small boy ‘with five loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’ It turns out to be more than enough, because the boy is willing to share what he has, and Jesus does the rest.
I’ve heard it said that the real miracle of the feeding of the five thousand was that everybody sat down together – rich and poor, good and bad, Jew and Gentile – and shared what they had. The scripture scholars wouldn’t go with that one but nevertheless it makes an important point – sharing makes the difference.
God shared himself with us in Jesus, shared great love and compassion, gave himself up to suffer and die for us and still today he shares himself with us in Holy Communion. At the heart of our faith is a God who never stops giving, never stops sharing himself, and sharing is the key to happiness.
People in depression start to come out of it when they start to give and receive. The thanks and appreciation of others lifts their spirits and helps them feel good about themselves. If we’re all closed in, grasping and grabbing; worrying and anxious about others trying to get what we’ve got then we are unhappy people. However, if we are open, loving and giving, then we have a God-given joy for we are being Christlike. Yes, some will take advantage, but most will be glad to know us and share with us.
In the Gospel they ended up with more than they started with – that's God for you -’give and you will receive... a full measure’ pressed down and shaken together will be poured into your lap.’ We can’t outdo God in generosity.
The Order of the Mass
In a new series of videos, Father Michael explains more about the Order of the Mass, covering the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rites.
In a new series of videos, Father Michael explains more about the Order of the Mass, covering the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist and Concluding Rites.
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To watch other videos about St Catherine's please see our Parish YouTube channel