By Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: 1Kgs 8:1-7, 9-13; Mk 6: 53-56
The Gospel passage portrays Jesus as a notable and well-spoken of miracle-worker in the town of Gennesaret and the nearby areas because of the supernatural power that he demonstrated such as the feeding of the five thousand and walking on the water.
So, the motive of experiencing supernatural intervention, and specifically getting healed, was what attracted people to Jesus in the very first place. This is not something strange to our human motive in general. We all require healing whether physical, emotional or spiritual. But Jesus the King of kings has a greater gift to offer us much more than earthly things; it is life in fullness (Jn 10:10).
So to benefit from all that he has planned for me I need to be by his side at all times and if I am still lacking him, the problem is my inability to recognize his presence and my tendency to look outside. He is Emmanuel, a God with us and in us. To be able to see him I need to clear all the garbage that blocks me from seeing him. I need to clear and replace that garbage with a welcoming heart for him to dwell in.
I need to co-operate with Jesus. Just as he found time to get down from the boat to meet me, I too must respond with great faith, and welcome him to my inner home. Let him cast out all the demons of sinful habits that eat into my innocent heart. Let the holy shadow of Jesus fall upon
us, and may the physical and spiritual hunger be removed by his holy presence.