💖 HOMILY - AUGUST 1 💖

First Reading - Jeremiah 28:1-17

Gospel - Matthew 14:13-21

If we look around, we will certainly observe that everyone is looking for something in his or her life; some are looking for attention, others for recognition and some others for prestige and status; and there are still some who are looking for meaning, purpose and happiness in life. The readings of the day challenge us to look for things that can give us meaning and fulfillment in life.

The first reading presents the prophecies of two prophets for the people; the prophecy of Hananiah and the prophecy of Jeremiah. The difference between both the prophecies is the intention behind. Hananiah gives a consoling prophecy according to the expectations and taste of people, therefore he was accepted by them. Whereas, the prophecy of Jeremiah solely demanded conversion and change of life from the people. Consequently, Jeremiah was rejected by people because he didn't speak according to the taste of people and thence was not believed by people. However, the passage reminds us that we should be willing put ourselves into the shoes of God rather than expecting God to get into our shoes. It also reminds that our false appreciation and acceptance can't last long as in the case of Hananiah who won the acceptance of the people but it was short-lived. This passage invites us to have a purpose that is in line with the will of God.

In the gospel, we come across people who are looking for Jesus. They have many intentions and purposes; some are sick and others want to hear from Jesus. Jesus looks at their purposes with compassion. He heals the sick and later satisfied them with the bread and fish. This gospel of today presents two approaches: firstly, the purpose of the crowd for following Christ was to get the sick healed and probably to hear him; secondly, the response of Jesus to the crowd was of compassion in healing their sick and feeding them to the full. 

The feeding of the multitude enunciates two implications: firstly, it has eucharistic gesture of "taking, giving thanks, breaking and distributing", hence this event shows that the crowd represents a special group of people who share in the eucharistic banquet; secondly, the crowd was satisfied and from the fragments, twelve baskets were collected. The collection of twelve baskets and satisfaction of the crowd symbolically presents the eschatological role of the Messiah who satisfies the twelve tribes of Israel with the eschatological banquet.

My dear friends, the readings pose a question to us? What do we look for in life? Is it material or short-lived purpose or the purpose that gives meaning and fulfillment in life? People of Israel were distracted by their short-lived purpose on their journey but the crowd in the gospel looked for Christ and walked on their foot to find him and ultimately they were satisfied. Let's look for Christ in our lives and he will give us meaning and fulfillment in life. He will satisfy us with the bread of eternal life and give us a sense of purpose which is not short-lived but far-reaching.

May God help us center our purpose on Jesus and find real fulfilment.