15 Feb
Sat
5th Week in Ordinary Time
(Psalter Week I)
Gen. 3:9-24
Ps. 90:2-6,12-13
Mk. 8:1-10
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This is the second account of Jesus feeding a large number of people. Earlier He had fed 5,000 (not counting women and children) with five loaves and two fish. Today it is 4,000 and there are seven loaves - seven being a figure of wholeness and completeness. The message in both is the same. Jesus is filled with compassion at the sight of so many people in danger of collapse from hunger. It is not just a physical hunger; even more, it is a realisation of their spiritual hunger, their hunger for guidance in the meaning of life. Taking just seven loaves of bread and blessing them in a ritual evocative of the Eucharist, Jesus then hands the loaves to His disciples to distribute them among the crowd. In the end, there are seven basketfuls of leftovers. We are being reminded of God's providential care for his children with more than enough for all. But there is also the reminder that the feeding depends on Jesus' followers. It is not enough for me to eat my fill at the Lord's table. I must also be aware of my responsibility to feed - both physically and spiritually - my brothers and sisters, especially those most in need.



Help me, Lord, to be aware of my responsibility to feed my brothers and sisters, if I am to be regarded as a true follower of Yours.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all Christians, sensitive to the distressing condition of the peoples who are still suffering from hunger and thirst, may be moved to greater solidarity towards their brothers.
Elaboration

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