Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17
But the crowd heard of this and caught up with him. So he welcomed them, and began speaking about the kingdom of God, curing those who needed healing.The day was drawing to a close, and the Twelve drew near to tell him, “Send the crowd away, and let them go into the villages and farms around, to find lodging and food, for we are here in a lonely place.” But Jesus replied, “You, yourselves, give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves and two fish. Do you want us to go and buy food for all this crowd?” for there were about five thousand men. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.”So they made all of them sit down. Jesus then took the five loaves and two fi h, and, raising his eyes to heaven, pronounced a blessing over them; he broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the crowd. They ate and everyone had enough; and when they gathered up what was left, twelve baskets were filed with broken pieces.
Lectio Divina
READ: Jesus multiplies the bread and fish available at hand. The disciples distribute them to the hungry crowd. For days, the people have been following him to hear his words. Now before dis missing them, Jesus shows concern to their bodily need. It is a bad religion to take care only of the spirit. Justice must be given to the whole person.
REFLECT: The gospel prefigures the Holy Eucharist which Jesus institutes at the Last Supper. Generations of Christians celebrate the Eucharist to perpetuate the memory of Jesus. Jesus asks his ministers to distribute spiritual food to the crowd. How do you treat the body and blood of Christ? Do you receive holy communion?
PRAY: Dear Lord, I fully believe in your real presence in the consecrated bread and wine. I remember what you have instituted at the Last Supper. I thank the priests whom you authorized to consecrate, in your memory. May I always be worthy to receive you. Help me avoid committing grave sins to be worthy of you.
ACT: Always prepare ahead of time to receive the Holy Eucharist. You cannot gain much grace if you do not condition yourself to receive it.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2019
