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By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and
said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late.
Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and
villages and buy themselves something to eat.” Mark 6:35–36
It is wise to be practical, realistic, and pragmatic. But when it
comes to Christ and our call to participate in His divine mission,
pragmatism can sometimes be a hindrance. Today’s Gospel illustrates
this truth powerfully.
The passage begins by showing the compassionate heart of Christ,
who looked out upon the vast crowds of spiritually hungry people
who were “like sheep without a shepherd.” Without a shepherd, sheep
wander aimlessly, often missing the greenest pastures. Moved with
compassion, Jesus feeds His flock by teaching them “many
things.”
Then came a test—not so much for the crowd, but for Jesus’ Apostles
whom He was training to continue His mission. Though the Apostles
eventually shared in Jesus’ mission as the first bishops of the
Church, we are all called to participate in His mission in our
unique ways. Therefore, the test Jesus gave to His Apostles is just
as relevant to us today.
When the Apostles suggested dismissing the crowd to find food,
Jesus surprised them with a challenging command: “Give them some
food yourselves.” This was the test. Jesus knew full well that they
lacked the resources to feed thousands, but He posed the challenge
to draw out their faith. Rather than acting themselves or turning
to Him in confident trust, they responded with human logic and
doubt. It was only when they presented their meager resources—five
loaves and two fish—that Jesus performed the miracle, showing them
that divine power begins where human resources end. This moment
taught the Apostles that their role in Christ’s mission would not
depend on their sufficiency, but on their obedience, trust, and
cooperation with His grace.
Consider how this test applies to your life. First, reflect on the
crowd. Do you know people who are “like sheep without a shepherd?”
Who are the wandering, the searching, and the hungry? Some are
physically hungry—the poor and destitute. Others might be
materially well-off but are spiritually starving. The first step in
our “test” is to recognize those in need, whether physical or
spiritual.
Once we perceive the needs of others, we must consider how our Lord
wants to use us to meet those needs. This is where practicality or
pragmatism must be harmonized with supernatural prudence. It’s easy
to look at another’s needs and think, “There is little I can do.”
Indeed, by ourselves, we are powerless to provide what others truly
need. But when we offer the little we have to Christ, trusting in
His supernatural power, our small offering is divinely transformed
into a source of abundant blessings. Our “five loaves and two fish”
represent our willingness to give what we have, knowing that, with
God’s grace, it can feed the multitudes.
Reflect today on this Gospel passage as if you were standing with
the Twelve Apostles. Consider those God has placed in your life who
are hungry and wandering. As you identify them, offer to God
everything you have and all that you are, trusting that He desires
to work through you. With deep faith, you will be amazed at what
God can accomplish through your humble offering.
My providential Lord, Your compassion is unfathomable, and Your
grace is all-powerful. Give me a heart like Yours so that I may see
those whom You want to love through me. Grant me courage and faith
so that I may offer my life to You—everything that I am and have—so
that You can bring superabundant blessings through me. Jesus, I
trust in You.
Image: NT084.Jesus Feeds 5000 by pcstratman, license CC BY-SA
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