Isaiah 55: 1-3 Romans 8:35, 37-39 Mathew 14: 13-21
Theme: In union with Christ
Today is the 18th Sunday of the year A in ordinary time. Our readings today points out the fact that as children of God, we are in union with him; and this is clearly seen in his love for us. We see this also in the three readings of this Sunday. It is for you and I to make up our minds by living a life that is pleasing to God, if we want to continue to remain in union with him. The more united and bonded we are with him, the better Christians and people of God we will become. In view of this, we have to strive to accept his invitation in today’s 1st reading and experience his wonderful love and blessings in our life, family and in the world at large.
In the 1st reading from the prophet Isaiah, the Lord is inviting us to come to him the way we are and he will quench our thirst and satisfy us. This is an open invitation for all of us that we must grab with both hands. We are all free to decide and make our personal choice about Gods invitation. It is an invitation that is life giving and will bring about renewal and transformation in the lives of all those who will embrace it. This is an opportunity for us to be closer to the Lord, and be in union with him at all times. It is an invitation that is life giving and will eventually lead us to life eternal at the end of our earthly pilgrimage. Nothing should stop us from accepting this wonderful hand of friendship that the Lord is extending to us on this 18th Sunday of the year; we have nothing to lose if we accept it, but a lot to gain.
St. Paul in the second reading in his letter to the Romans points out a very important question, “who shall separate us from the love of God” or what can separate us from the love of God? Nobody or thing has the power to separate us from the love of God, if we remain united with him. They will try, but because it is not of the Lord, they will fail. That is why we have to do all within our power to remain united with God. It is only you and I who can separate ourselves from remaining united with God; by the way we live our daily lives. We must continue to strive to live a life that is pleasing to God at all times, by staying away from evil and sin in all its forms. Humanly speaking, it is very difficult; but with God everything is possible. That should be a source of strength and encouragement for all of us who desire this union with God. All we need to do is to allow him to lead us, while we follow him and everything will be fine.
Our desire to achieve this great union with God is strengthened when we strive after the things of heaven more than the things of earth. In view of this our desire, we become more concerned about the things that are pleasing to God at all times. This will lead us to living a life that is love centred, and a life that is selfless at all times. When our life is guided by love and selflessness, it becomes easier for us to remain in union with God.
The action of Jesus in today’s gospel (feeding the 5,000), shows us that Jesus is capable of handling all our human challenges; if we accept his invitation today and make him our friend. He is always willing to keep us as friends, but the question is, are you also willing to keep him as your friend? Through our actions, we give answer to the question. It is our duty to ensure that nothing separates us from the love of God; it is in our power to resist whatever it is. The presentation of the five loaves and two fish is an act of love and selflessness that can keep us united if we practice it in our daily lives.
May God grant us the grace to live like true children of God and remain in union with him at all times. Peace be with you. Amen.
Inspirational Words
Show me a man who has remained steadfast in faith and I will show you a man who will keep his union with God. You can also do it!