Comments on: Saturday, 2/13/21 – Jesus’ Stone Soup

By: Antonius

Antonius — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 13:47:37 +0000

Thanks for sharing your reflection. You are definitely a gifted writer. The Lords miracle of the feeding of 4000 is one of my favorite miracles in which the Lord breaks the 7 loaves and a few small fish. Have a blessed day

By: Joe

Joe — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 21:39:06 +0000

Hi Julie – I love your reflection as always. I think I read or heard someone make the same point about the multiplication of loaves before, and he/she pointed out that it is unlikely that a group of farmers would venture into a remote location without bringing any provisions, and that if a small boy (or his parents) had the foresight to pack some food for him, it’s very likely other people did the same. I don’t think this kind of thinking is “dangerous”, or evil or wrong, and no on the contrary it doesn’t plant any doubts in my mind. If it did happen this way (instead of the conventional Jesus-pulling-food-from-his-magic-hat view), the fact that Jesus opened the hearts of everyone gathered enough to get them to share their food is a miracle in itself (as you rightly pointed out). Like you, I’m a realist, and I also believe that a lot of the accounts in the bible were taken from the perspective of human authors living in pre-historic times (with very little knowledge of science), but just because science can explain why the sun rises up every morning doesn’t make it any less of a miracle. Same goes with the Red Sea receding enough for the Israelites to cross, or any other miracles we see; the creation of Man for instance isn’t incompatible with the Theory of Evolution. I believe that science explains the how, but our faith in God puts the spotlight on the why, and the why boils down to a loving and merciful God who loves us so much that He formed us in His image and likeness, and gave us everything including His only begotten son.

Keep being you and writing your beautiful reflections. You are awesome.

By: A

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 14:31:52 +0000

Thank you for this fresh look at today’s scripture, and so very timely. Lent is a good chance for all of us to look deeper into how we share what we have…… And ask Jesus to multiply what we do give.

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 11:05:57 +0000

Ms. Jen! I am forced to reply about your reflection! Thought provoking, yes and dangerous! If that’s how you see it I won’t argue with you either.
I am not an an accomplished writer as you are. I am a simple cradle Catholic who depends on other people to help me understand the scriptures and not put doubts in my mind. I think you are too smart for your own good. I will pray for us. Peace!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 22:19:36 +0000

Love the line, the only recipe he had was to change people’s hearts….

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 17:39:59 +0000

Nice thought provoking interpretation. To the point about did the Red Sea parting or not parting etc. if I may be bold enough to answer — the Lord uses us as part of the solution in the miracle. The water to wine required our water, the paraplegic had to give his hand, the Red Sea the people had to be willing to go, every miracle has required some human participation. Their problem will not magically go away they had to participate. That is Julie’s point.
Thank you again for taking the time to make me think and for your discussion. I am blessed to have you both in my faith journey.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 15:39:04 +0000

Thank you for sharing your insight into today’s readings. You made me look at these stories in a whole new light. I am so glad that you are back with some of your writings. I hope that you are coming back on a permanent basis.

By: Helen

Helen — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 14:54:39 +0000

I really enjoyed your take on today’s gospel reading Julie, thank you for your sharing your insight and thoughts.
That’s what I like about this website.Each one of us interprets the gospel in our own way.I love reading new little nuggets of wisdom from the talented writers.Always provides food for thought.