How many loaves do you have?”

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season: First Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 15:29-37*

*First Reading : Is 25:6-10a*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6*

*“How many loaves do you have?”*

*1) The Importance of the Question*

This is the question, which was asked by Jesus while feeding the Five thousand with a great miracle

This question, which was asked by Jesus, is also applicable to all the time, and in all context and in particular to us 

Exploring this question will help us in finding new truths about our own life  

*2) Seven Loaves - A perfect Number*

The number 7 has special significance in the Bible 

*Perfection* The number seven can represent perfection or completeness

*Wholeness* The number seven can represent a full and complete world. For example, the seven days of creation represent a complete world

*Holiness* The number seven can represent holiness because the Israelite God is identified with perfection. 

*Holy Spirit* In Zechariah and Revelation, the number seven can represent the Holy Spirit. For example, the seven or sevenfold spirit in Revelation could be a symbolic description of the Holy Spirit. 

*3) Jesus Asks the Same Question to us*

In our life we also ask for miracles and great things 

In this context Jesus asks how many gifts do we have? 

How much goodwill you have?

How much faith you have? 

How much hard work are you able to put in? 

How much service are you able to give? 

How much sacrifice you are able make? 

How many times are you able to forgive? 

*4) Number 7 in my Life*

All the things which I have in my life can be accepted as number seven 

That is to accept it as perfect and complete

Accept the God given talents as perfect 

serve completely

Forgive completely

Love completely

Work hard completely

*5) Negative to number 7*

When Jesus asks this question, one may answer in a negative way 

I don't have anything

My talents are not good 

God has not given me many things 

My health is not good 

I don't have time to serve

I can't love 

I am busy with many things

I don't have opportunity to show my talents 

No one recognises me 

It is not meant for me 

This is the negative way of answering the questions which were asked by Jesus  

*6) What is my Response?*

Do I work for miracles or do I entirely leave it God?

Unless we work or offer something from our side to God's work, no miracles will take place

Am I ready to offer whatever I have to God to work for miracles? 

Am I passive spectator to look a great miracle from God? 

Am I a person who involve actively with God's plan to witness a great miracle in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*