02/08/2026
18th Sunday Reflection
Isaiah 55:1-3
Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18
Romans 8:35, 37-39
Matthew 14:13-21
In today’s Gospel, we encounter the loving and compassionate heart of Jesus.
Gospel, Matthew 14:14:
“His heart was moved with pity for them.”
This passage is very touching. Every time I read it, I am reminded of Christ’s compassion for the people. Likewise, in my own life, I am called to follow Jesus and serve with a heart full of love for others.
The disciples feared that there would not be enough food for the crowd, so they wanted Jesus to send the people away. This is sometimes my attitude as well. I become anxious when I think that what we have may not be enough.
But Jesus responded:
Gospel, Matthew 14:18:
“Bring them here to me.”
The disciples had only five loaves and two fish.
Gospel, Matthew 14:17:
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”
Jesus took what little they had, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute. More than five thousand people were fed, and there were twelve wicker baskets full of fragments left over.
Gospel, Matthew 14:20-21:
“They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over, twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.”
What a magnificent miracle!
I am reminded of our celebration of the Feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the blessing and dedication of the church in Tetuan by Archbishop Tonel. I admire the generosity of the parishioners who shared their own five loaves and two fish to restore the beautiful church. Each one contributed from what they had, and together they helped make the church a beautiful place of worship.
My prayer is:
Lord, open my heart so that I may generously give from what I have. Receive our five loaves and two fish. Bless them, multiply them, and allow us to share more with all who are in need, even beyond what we think is possible.
Amen!
