Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

Today's Mass Readings

St. John reminds us of the foundational truth necessary for our lives: God is love, and God first loved us. Love is both the foundation of our life of faith and the test of our faith. Love must demonstrate itself in practice. Jesus shows us what love is as His heart is moved with pity for the crowd. He does not dismiss the crowds to fend for themselves as His disciples suggest, but he directs them: “Give them some food yourselves.”

Give them some food yourselves. We frequently want someone else to do the hard work of charity. What if St. Teresa of Calcutta waited for God to send someone else to serve the poorest of the poor, instead of listening faithfully herself to God’s call? How many of the poor would have died alone, forgotten, and unaware of the Lord’s love if it weren’t for her response and that of her missionaries?

Give them some food yourselves. Sometimes I like to make excuses, or even object to such a challenge—I don’t have enough to give. But, then that is precisely when God says to me (and to you): “Yes, you don’t have enough to give, but I, the Lord, will provide just as I provided abundance for the multitude of people in the crowd.” Jesus Christ multiplies the very little we have—our efforts, strength, talents—and he provides what we could never do on our own.

Reflection Question: What is the Lord Jesus inviting you to give to those in need?

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB