HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B. MEMORIAL OF ST. SCHOLASTICA (1)

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: MIRACLE OF MULTIPLICATION

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mk.8:1-10)
Memorial of St. Scholastica

In the day’s Gospel we again hear the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. The Gospel writer noted that Jesus’ “heart was moved with pity for the crowd.” It would appear that the object of His pity was the hunger or the need of the people for food in a far away place. But it was more than that. Jesus saw the conditions of those people following Him. They hunger not only for the food of the body but more for the food of the soul. Jesus saw their need to be satisfied with the bread of life, the Word of God, Jesus Himself.

The multiplication of the loaves was seen by the early Church as a forestaste of heaven. It is the heavenly banquet taught by Scriptures. That in the end, all will be seated with God at the table in heaven and partaking of the feast of heaven. It had been established at the last supper, fulfilled in Calvary, and continued in every Eucharistic celebration. The love of Jesus does not only address our earthly needs. He came to save. His heart cares for us.

We are just days away from the celebration of Ash Wednesday, Christendom’s entry into the Season of Lent. It is the time for prayer, fasting, and doing acts of charity. While attending to the needs of our daily life, we make ourselves aware of the need to discipline ourselves against the temptations of the devil. When we seek to be close to God, the devil is equally busy in drawing us away from God. The quest for salvation continues. These coming days will be critical days.

But let us not be perturbed. God will be with us throughout those days. If we cooperate with Him, we will have a seat in His banquet.