August 1, 2022, Monday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-C ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Jeremiah 28:1-17
Psalm 119
Matthew 14:13-21
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Matthew 14:17
Lord, your disciples offered up to you all they had to eat that evening. They said that such a small amount of food wouldn’t feed but a handful of the people. It was impossible to care for so many. They knew that there would not be enough for all. After you prayed and broke the bread all ate and were filled up with food leftover! Lord, in your wisdom you have abundantly blessed me with so many gifts too numerous to count no doubt with some leftovers. If you can feed thousands with very little how much more can be done with the awesome abundance you’ve given me? How can I even doubt that I will come up short in your service? Why do I hold back and not offer you what I have to build up your kingdom? Lord, today show me how powerful are small efforts of compassion and love. Show me the effect the bread of life, the Eucharist, can have in my life. I offer you, Jesus, my five loaves and two fish for you to multiply and to be used as you will. I’ll even make use of the leftovers. Amen.