by: Deacon Paul Rooney (deaconpaul@cox.net)
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Cycle “A" – July 31, 2005)

Q. 330:   Is Jesus playing “games” with the disciples, when he tells them, “give them something yourselves” (Mt 14:13-21)?   How can they feed 5,000 men, “not counting women and children”?

A. 330:   No, there are no “games” or tricks being played by Jesus in this situation; there is only a call to faith, a call to use what you have been given to build up the kingdom, and therefore to use your gifts for the greater glory of God.

Did you notice that the “little kid” with the loaves and fishes is not in Matthew’s story?   Instead, it is the disciples themselves who have the “little bit” - - they say, “WE have nothing here except five loves and a couple of fish.”   That is a perfect setting, because it highlights for every Christian (i.e., disciple) that their little bit is what is being called into focus.

Gosh, what a leap of faith we are asked to make!   We see no problem in urging on “Indiana Jones” to step out in faith across that invisible bridge at that gorge in Arabia.   But we hesitate when the “actor” is us!   God is asking us to make available whatever gift(s) we have; to offer those gifts to Him for His blessing; and then to make them available for others.   St. Paul would say later, this is the way we build up the mystical Body of Christ.

There is the Key, one that so many spiritual writers have discovered over the centuries: whatever it is that you have, whatever you offer, if given in a true spirit of love God will bless that offering and make it become nourishment for many others. It is His Presence that is found in such a gift, because it comes from your Heart, where God dwells!

Know Your Catechism!   This “massive” feeding of so many thousands of needy people prefigures the “superabundance” of this unique bread of the Eucharist (CCC#1335).   The first Christians recognized this miracle of the breaking of the bread not only as the reality of the Real Presence of Jesus, but also as the sign of their call to be in communion with one another as the united Body of Christ (CCC #1329). That is ALSO your call, and my call!

Deacon Paul Rooney Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha