This week we are between two feasts: the Epiphany of the Lord and the Baptism of the Lord. At the Epiphany Jesus as revealed as a light to all nations. At the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River, Jesus will be revealed as the Only-begotten son of the Father. When he is baptized, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon him, and the voice of the Father says, “This is my beloved Son”.These two feasts are linked in the mind of the Church by that theme of revelation—the revelation of Jesus’s true identity—his identity as Savior and Son and God.
This theme of revelation permeates the readings this week. Yesterday we heard Matthew’s account of the beginning of Jesus’ preaching and teaching throughout Galilee. The paralyzed, the possessed, the lame were brought to him for healing. Jesus is revealed as the one who brings healing.
Today we proclaim one of Jesus’ most famous miracles: the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Jesus reveals God’s great love for us, that he desires to feed the hungry. He is moved with pity by our hunger. And he doesn’t just feed us from afar, but has entered into our world of hunger, he has become one of the hungry, but is also revealed as the one capable of feeding. For if he can feed five thousand from five loaves and two fish, he has the power to feed all those who come to him, in abundance.
Jesus calls us to similar concern for the hungry, both the physically and spiritually malnourished. So many people have lost their appetite for the spiritual nourishment of God’s Word and Sacraments because they have so deeply indulged in the food of worldliness. Our job, perhaps, is to help wean them off the world by instilling a hunger for the truth of Christ, by presenting the truth, good, and beauty that only comes from him.
Also, notice that the Lord performs this great miracle of the feeding of the multitude by taking the little that is possessed by the people and transforms it into food for the multitudes. What is not brought to him is not transformed. But what is brought to him is blessed and multiplied and shared.
The Lord has real concern for our hunger, real concern for those who continue to turn away from his banquet. And he will use us, if we bring him our time, talent, and treasure, for the feeding of hungry souls, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For a deeper devotion to the Eucharist among all Catholics, that our Eucharistic worship might inspire non-believers to seek and find the Lord.
For those spiritually malnourished souls who do not look to God to satisfy the longing in their hearts.
That our Catholic schools and PSR programs may be places where the Lord Jesus is sought out and discovered, where faith is instilled and charity is inspired.
For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, that many young people may respond generously to the Lord’s call to ordained and consecrated service.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord
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