Hospitality is about acting with God's grace(Numbers 11:4-15/Psalm 81:12-17/Matthew 14:13-21)

HOSPITALITY IS ABOUT ACTING WITH THE GRACE OF GOD

(Monday, August 5, 2019)

The gospel of today reminds us of the role of hospitality in our Christian lives. Hospitality is not about what you have, but what you do with what we have. The disciples saw the size of the need and the littleness of the human resources available; Jesus saw the size of the need and the greatness of God's resources available. How many times in our lives have we been reluctant to invite others into our home because we thought it was too small? Jesus is asking us to turn our lens towards God so that we can see all of the possibilities in our lives, rather than the limitations. Again, hospitality is about acting with grace.

The true miracle in the gospel today might not be so much from the feeding, but what happened to the crowd when they were in the presence of Jesus. Think about how Jesus treated His guests. He asked them to make themselves comfortable, He blessed the loaves, He provided a great dinner conversation.

In doing this the crowd sensed that this meal was special. No one was worried that they wouldn’t get enough and so they didn’t think of their own needs. Everyone shared. Jesus’ compassion and grace were contagious and the crowd acted accordingly. Jesus is asking us to welcome and encourage others through our daily interactions with one another. He is asking us to help others see the possibilities by acting with grace and compassion.

Hospitality is about building community. Jesus could have easily listened to the disciples and let the crowds go in search of where to get food for themselves, but He knew the transformative power of breaking bread together. When we break bread together our relationships are strengthened and we become more closely bonded, strengthening us for service in the world. Jesus knew that our deepest hunger can be satisfied and our brokenness can be healed through the act of the Eucharist. In our lives what are we doing to gather guests at the table?

In the first reading today, Moses was frustrated, it is difficult to work for a group, especially when they complain a lot. What a great reminder that God meets us where we are. Sometimes the journey can be difficult, but God is always there. It is better to keep struggling even when the going gets tough like in the case of the Chosen people in the desert. Instead of placing their trust in God's divine providence they resorted to complaining.

They have short memories to have forgotten the deeds of the Lord to them in the wilderness. such an attitude is always found among us. Many of us find it very difficult to appreciate the favours already received from God. They are always complaining after what they have prayed for and have not received. It is in our daily struggles that our relationship with God is strengthened. As we struggle daily, let us remember to be open to God working in and through us. Let us open our hearts and minds to His love and invite others in to do the same.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to be grateful for all that the Lord has done for me and may I be Compassionate to others. Amen.