The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine our frustration over the response of God to our wants as the attention of Providence to our deeper needs is offered.
The Reading from the Book of Numbers describes Moses' frustration carrying the people.
Psalm 81 laments the hard hearted Israelites.
The Gospel of Matthew proclaims Jesus multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
Steve Scholer asks are we willing to share what we have with the poor and needy, or do we think a “miracle” will occur, and “out of the blue” one person will appear and satisfy the needs of all? Are we willing to help fill the sacks at the food pantry when called upon or share our earnings when the basket is passed in church?
Don Schwager quotes The Lord fills all things with blessing from above, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)
"So that by every means the Lord might be known to be God by nature, he multiplies what is little, and he looks up to heaven as though asking for the blessing from above. Now he does this out of the divine economy, for our sakes. For he himself is the one who fills all things, the true blessing from above and from the Father. But, so that we might learn that when we are in charge of the table and are preparing to break the loaves, we ought to bring them to God with hands upraised and bring down upon them the blessing from above, he became for us the beginning and pattern and way." (excerpt from FRAGMENT 177)
Friar Jude Winkler reflects on the texts of today. In the Book of Numbers, Israelites cry for nothing to eat and Manna is not satisfying them. They complained and the time in the desert was about ingratitude. Moses doesn't deserve this! Jesus needs to give the crowd something to eat and feeds the entire crowd sitting on grass to invoke Psalm 23. A social miracle was not intended but a nature miracle and a multitude of people. Friar Jude notes this multiplication for Jews with twelve baskets left over and in second, loaves and fish for Gentiles with seven baskets left over.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC faculty emerita Cynthia Bourgeault who understands Jesus through the lineage of Jewish wisdom teachers.
We seek the Wisdom of the Spirit to affirm our faith in the Providence of God for all peoples offered to address our specific needs.
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