Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Jerome Alburo SVD – Madagascar
Saturday 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Before I entered the seminary, I was a grade-school teacher in Butuan City. As days went by, my pupils started giving me snacks. I was apprehensive about it because I was not used to receiving gifts. In my apprehension, I noticed the sadness in the eyes of these students when I refused to receive their gifts.
I shared this with our principal, and she advised me to accept these gifts as they are expressions of love. Since then, when pupils gave me gifts, I welcomed them wholeheartedly, and I felt their love.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples [and us] that generosity is an expression of love, and that he will always provide. Further, this miracle leads us all through Jesus’ Paschal mystery. He is the bread of life offered to us all – sinners and saints, bad and good alike. Undoubtedly, God cares for all of us and loves us despite our weaknesses and sins. Indeed, he is a prodigal giver.
Today, let us challenge ourselves to make our lives mirrors of love and generosity, our actions filled with kindness. May we open “spaces of encounter” to our families, friends, and neighbors because we do not know the burden each one carries.
Let our encounters be moments of shared love, care, and joy. In the end, love is all that matters. As Pope Francis says, we are fratelli tutti; we have hearts open to the world.
One comment