The Responsibility towards the needy People

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 14:13-21*

*First Reading : Nm 11:4b-15*

*The Responsibility towards the needy People*

*1) The needy people around Jesus*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us a group of people around Jesus, who had come from different places 

They had come to Jesus to listen to him, and to get healed from their sicknesses

They had spent the whole day with Jesus, being with Jesus  

Now the day was getting dark, and the disciples were thinking of departing from the place. 

Those people had not eaten anything, since they had nothing with them. So they were in need of food at this moment 

*2) The reaction of the Disciples*

The disciples were thinking of dismissing the people from the spot 

They were planing to send the people to their respective villages without food 

They made the people responsible to collect their food from their respective villages 

In other words, the disciples were not ready to take any responsibilities to help the needy people in some way or the other 

*3) The approach of Jesus*

Jesus understands the situation and takes the responsibility upon himself in helping the needy and hungry people 

He tell his disciples that the people need to go from the place without food and we need to do something to feed the people 

This approach is very important in reaching out others 

The disciples were trying to escape from the responsibility, but Jesus is openly accepting the responsibility to help the people 

*4) The concept of Team Work*

Jesus would have worked miracles without any ones help, to reach out the needy people. In fact Jesus had the power to do so 

But Jesus does not do that. In his approach he involves his disciples. He says to his disciples *There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”*

He also involves the people while working the miracle. He accepted from a boy *"Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”*

This shows the involvement of every one and the concept of team work 

*5) How do I see my responsibilities?*

There are three approaches

The approach of the disciples : Try to escape from the responsibility

The approach of Jesus : Take or accept responsibility for the needy people and do something 

The third approach : Involve oneself in the team work to help the needy people to contribute ones mite 

So which is the approach do I implement in my life when there is a situation to help the needy? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*