Readings:
Genesis 3:9-24
Mark 8:1-10
Reflection:
Encountering Jesus’ generosity, one might wonder why the disciples collected the scraps left over. They could leave them on the ground to feed the birds or other animals that use them as their food.
The answer can be found from other stories in which Jesus ordered the disciples to collect them. In today’s story, the Evangelist did not portray Jesus’ order or free will of his followers. They just collected seven basketfuls of leftover bread from seven loaves. Double seven could be linked to the perfect performance of Jesus as he feels sorry for the people who journey with him.
Reflecting on this point, we can be sure about Jesus’ compassion for his followers, not just in emotion but in action. He feels sorry and feeds people who are hungry as a part of his mission. More than that, his disciples understand and learn from his perfection that they collected all the scraps so nothing from God’s compassion and action is wasted. At this point, the bread is mainly for Jesus’ followers as his care for them.
Learning from Jesus’ emotion and action, we can also order our lives in a similar way, accompanying those who are hungry among us, not just in our words but in our deeds. We also acknowledge that everything is from God so we will not waste anything from God’s perfect love.
JD Tân T CP is a Vietnamese Passionist who lives and studies further at the Holy Cross Retreat, Templestowe.