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Meditation for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
The First Miraculous Multiplication of Loaves
“When Jesus therefore had lifted up His eyes, and seen that a very great multitude cometh to Him, He said to Philip: ‘Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?’ And this He said to try him; for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him: ‘Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little.’ One of His disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to Him: ‘There is a boy here that hath five barley loaves and two fishes: but what are these among so many?’ Then Jesus said: ‘Make the men sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. The men therefore sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves: and when He had given thanks, He distributed to them that were sat down, in like manner also the fishes, as much as they would.” (John 6, 5-11).
First Prelude: Behold the Apostles distributing the miraculously multiplied bread to the people.
Second Prelude: Beg for grace to understand ever better the sentiments of the Sacred Heart that your heart may become more and more like to this Divine Heart.
First Point — Our Divine Saviour
Exhausted by a long missionary tour, the Apostles returned to our Blessed Lord on the shores of Lake Genesareth. Though very much in need of rest and relaxation, they could find neither. Accordingly Jesus, likewise in need of rest, entered a boat and put across the lake, to a desert-place, there to rest awhile. Contemplate the loving solicitude of Jesus for His own. He is the same loving Saviour even today. We can, therefore, revert to Him with implicit trust and confidence in our needs, both of body and of soul. Jesus teaches us further that a reasonable care for our health and for our temporal welfare is by no means sinful, on the contrary, in accordance with the Will of God. Without recreation and relaxation, it will be impossible for us to discharge our duties successfully for any length of time. Jesus, however, found the desired rest neither for Himself nor for His Apostles. Soon Jesus saw Himself surrounded by an immense concourse of people, eager to hear His doctrine. At sight of them, He forgot His exhaustion. Having healed the sick among them, Jesus seated Himself on an elevation and spoke to the people of the Kingdom of God. Thus time wore on, the day was nigh spent, and still they listened eagerly to the words of the Divine Teacher. In their eagerness to hear the Word of God, the multitude had forgotten to provide for their bodily wants. Touched by the devotion of these simple folk, Jesus wrought the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. What a glorious manifestation of the love and goodness of Jesus!
At sight of the poor people, He forgot His own needs. He did not send them away, promising them future attention, but began presently to announce His doctrine to them.
The same zeal for souls animates Jesus even at the present day. Yes, He is far more concerned in my own salvation than I, myself. How consoling and encouraging the thought! With what confidence dare I reveal my wants to Him, and with what assurance, expect aid and succor! Am I conscious of the eagerness with which Jesus desires my salvation? How does my care and solicitude for my salvation harmonize with this consciousness?
Second Point — The Apostles
The Apostles had crossed the lake to find on the opposite shore much-needed rest, but found instead of rest new work awaiting them. They did not, however, become indignant, for they had the needs of the people at heart, but in deep sympathy they rather pleaded with their Divine Master to dismiss the people that they could buy themselves something to eat. We are religious, consecrated to the works of mercy. Shall this be a mere empty name? That it may not be so, we must manifest a genuine, heartfelt sympathy with the ignorant, the poor, the sick and the orphans, and all who may have been confided to our care. To this end we must endeavor to understand our charges, study their needs, their dispositions and imagine ourselves needy and suffering in their stead.
The Apostles, however, not only sympathized with the people, but volunteered to render actual assistance. St. Matthew (14, 15, 16) relates that when they asked our Lord to dismiss the multitude, He said: “They have no need to go, give you them to eat.” He concealed His intention of working a miracle to try His Apostles, who were ready to assist, even to buy food and distribute it as alms. The five loaves and the fishes that were on hand they gave to others; for themselves and the Master they kept nothing. Jesus then ordered the Apostles to arrange the people in groups. Believing that Jesus would bring relief miraculously they obeyed, and their confidence was not deceived. The Lord multiplied the loaves and the fishes miraculously so that all the people were satiated.
What a beautiful example is the conduct of the Apostles for religious, who, for the love of God have devoted themselves to the service of their suffering neighbor. It is not indeed a rare occurrence to find religious enduring great privations, abstaining even from necessaries to be able to hold a mother’s place in regard of an orphan, or to be able to give more liberally to the poor. Who can count the many sacrifices, great and small, which are practiced day in, day out, cheerfully by so many religious in the service of disinterested and unselfish charity! Am I among the number of self-sacrificing religious, or do I artfully shrink from works of charity requiring extraordinary sacrifices? Do I deserve reproach in this regard, and what must I correct?
Affections: O Jesus, King of hearts! How infinite is Thy goodness, how unbounded Thy power! How gladly dost Thou exercise both in favor of those who forget all to follow Thee! Am I not far happier than the multitude who followed Thee and for whom Thou didst work so great a miracle? Thou dost not nourish me with only perishable bread, but with the Bread of Eternal Life. May my fervor in preparing for Holy Communion rival the fervor of the multitudes who followed Thee in the desert! May Thy chosen spouses never be wanting in gratitude for Thy boundless love! May we all be devoted to Thy Divine Heart with perfect trust and unselfish love, and thus be made worthy to win souls for Thee.
Resolution: I will practice true charity toward those in my charge, and manifest heartfelt sympathy with their sufferings and their needs.
Spiritual Bouquet: “Thou openest Thy hand, O Lord, and fillest all living things with blessings.”
Prayer: O Jesus, living in Mary . . .
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