Reflection on Matthew 15:29-37 ~
Imagine yourself near the Sea of Galilee, the lowest freshwater lake on Earth. Jesus stands at the top of a high hill so everyone can see him. There is a large procession of those whose faith in Jesus heals them. Having been there three days and despite your hunger, you stay, mesmerized by Jesus continuing to give of himself. Then, an even greater miracle occurs; you have consumed a morsel of food that has nourished you physically and satisfied spiritual hunger.
The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
Matthew 15:29-37
Jesus Cures Many People
29 After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, 31 so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.
Feeding the Four Thousand
32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” 34 Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36 he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina reflection on Matthew 15:29-37 – Satisfied Spiritual Hunger.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 15 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.