When Jesus tells his disciples to feed the 5000, it must have seemed like an impossible task. Martin Ngo, SJ, reflects on this command and the example that Jesus gives us to act with compassion. Based on the readings for Sunday, August 2, 2020.
Feed them myself?! Jesus, the world’s on fire! We can barely help ourselves!
Hey there! I’m Martin, and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
After his cousin’s death, Jesus retreats, but he’s followed by people like sheep without a shepherd. What happens next? He is moved with pity, and cures their sick on the spot. When his disciples are about to dismiss the hungry crowd, Jesus says, “Feed them yourselves.”
The message here is: Watch me. Let yourselves be nourished and moved by my deep compassion. Then, feeding others will make sense. Especially in these times, when daily demands don’t let up, it’s so easy to place more undue pressure on ourselves and get that much closer to burning out and lashing out.
There’s a subtle difference between the two questions: “What should I do?” vs. “Lord, what should I do?” Seek God first. Let God feed us and remind us of a love that cannot be separated from us through anguish or persecution, through life or death. Once we’re filled at the great banquet of Love, we can better feed others, even when the world is on fire.
