HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B (1)

HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR B.

HOMILY THEME: THE LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE GOD

BY: Fr. Benny Tuazon

HOMILY:

(Mt. 15:28-37)

In the day’s Gospel Jesus fed the crowd following Him with only seven loaves few fish. He did this after healing the sick who they brought to Him.
Jesus had attracted so many with His words and miracles. This miracle feeding was understood by the early Christians as a foretaste of heaven.
It gives the message that in God’s Kingdom, everyone will be satisfied spiritually.

For this account to find a place in Scriptures, it should be significant. Not only because it was considered a miracle but to reveal God’s compassion in Jesus. Jesus could not endure seeing the hunger of the people. He took advantage of the opportunity to make them realize a loving and compassionate God. He satisfied not only their physical hunger but also their spiritual needs. The event was both symbolic and real.

It is interesting that seven baskets were full of the leftovers gathered. When God gives, it really satisfies and more. Some exegetes said that the leftovers were symbolic of those who had served the Lord. Many who had spent their lives in ministries suddenly find themselves almost burnt out, tired, and spent. No worry. God will gather them to Himself and make them whole again. People or the world may not be able to appreciate what they had done, but God always do. He wanted to be seen as somebody who loved and will welcome His servants in the end.

Personally, I like the above exegetical point. To be a minister, whether lay or religious, is a thankless service. It is the Lord who keeps the zeal and patience of the servant ample in the service. In the end, it is always nice to know that He will be there to welcome His good and beloved servant!