A reflection by: MARK GATES
Several times in my life I have wondered, “Why do I feel like something is missing? Why do I feel I ‘need’ more.” Well with my 20/20 hindsight, each time those thoughts occurred, I can hear that old 60s song “Feelin’ Groovy” rattling around in my head. I was ‘moving too fast’ and ‘forgot to make the morning last.” I neglected (innocently of course) to invest more of my love for God into my day. Remember the verse from Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Today’s readings truly promote three, possibly separate, occasions for us to “Be Still”, contemplate, and imagine the Holy Spirit sitting with you sharing a cup and a conversation.
Reading 1, Isaiah 55:1-3, Thus says the LORD: All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk! **Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what fails to satisfy? **Heed me, and you shall eat well, you shall delight in rich fare. **Come to me heedfully, listen, that you may have life. I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.
This sentiment very mildly puts wasted time and wasted efforts into a clear perspective, a clear view. So much of life’s yearnings don’t end up the way we plan. Instead of confirming us, strengthening us, or just plain giving us some happiness… We end up tired, confused and disappointed.
**Fulfillment in life truly depends on fulfillment with God. In my own life I’m exhausted by how many times I say, “If I knew then, what I know now, things would be different!” This is why at 66 years old I feel so strongly about mentoring younger adults to “Get GOD” early.! Your life will be so much smoother, so much sooner.
Psalm 145:8-18, The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. *The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. **The LORD is good to all, and compassionate toward all his works.
WOW! Talk about a Confirmation… “God is Good, All the Time”.
Reading 2, Romans 8:35, 37-39: *Brothers and sisters: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
‘Praise God’, for good old St. Paul. The list later in this scripture, continues with a litany of what cannot separate us from the Love of God. This is very wonderful for the encouragement of the church of Romans. We all know that when you are encouraging someone, you state your case and just let it alone, let the inspiration stand on its own.
It may feel silly at times… but the difference is just, a little word-smithing. Also, it helps to remember the case of Adam & Eve. Absolutely NOTHING can separate God from us. God’s Love is pure, powerful and CONSTANT. What ‘can’ separate us from God is US, our own free-will. Just as following our Blessed Trinity is a daily choice, deciding to ‘Not’ follow our Trinity is a personal choice. We, with our free-will, separate ourselves from our Lord God.
Our free-will can be like a naughty angel on our shoulder, that needs to be flicked off and disregarded, swatted like a pesky fly.
Gospel, Matthew 14:13-21, **When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, He withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed Him on foot from their towns. When He disembarked and saw the vast crowd, His heart was moved with pity for them, and He cured their sick.
At the end of this scripture is the feeding of the 5000 men plus their families. I think we all know that miracle story, so I wanted to focus on this opening part.
For me it’s important to remember that John the Baptist is Jesus’ cousin on his mother Mary’s side. John’s death would be a strong case for grieving and needing time to be alone. The ‘way’ John was viciously martyred is a cause for anger!
As Jesus tries to find a quiet place for some prayer and reflection, He notices the crowd, their need, and their sad desperation. Then, Jesus remembers His Own mission. Knowing that He ‘will’ see John again soon enough, Jesus Loves…and Ministers to the people. He heals all of their sick. I want to assume that being Jesus, He also gazed into their hearts, their souls and gave them a complete healing. **NEXT: He feeds them, in miraculous fashion. ***Thank You for your time. JOY- JOY- JOY… Brother BLU… 😊 aka: Mark “G”
