The Symbolism of Stone Vs Bread, Snake Vs Fish

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: First Week:  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 7:7-12*

*First Reading : Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8*

*The Symbolism of Stone Vs Bread, Snake Vs Fish*

*1) Father giving things to His Children*

Jesus’ teaching about a father giving good gifts to his children is a powerful lesson about God’s generosity, wisdom, and trustworthiness. 

He uses two contrasts—bread vs. stone, fish vs. snake—to highlight the difference between what is truly good and what is harmful or useless.

*2) The Meaning of Bread vs. Stone*

*Bread* symbolizes nourishment, sustenance, and life.

A *stone* is useless for food, deceptive in appearance but providing no nourishment.

Jesus is showing that God will never deceive us—He does not give us something useless when we ask for what we truly need. 

Even when His answers to our prayers are not what we expect, we can trust that He will provide what truly sustains us.

*3) The Meaning of Fish vs. Snake*

A fish represents something good, clean, and nourishing—often a symbol of God’s provision.

A snake (serpent) is dangerous and often symbolizes deception, evil, and harm (Genesis 3:1).

Here, Jesus reassures us that God does not trick us or give us harmful things when we seek Him. 

Even if we don’t understand His ways, we can trust that His gifts bring life, not destruction.

*4) God answering our Prayer*

God’s answers to our prayers are always good, even if they seem unexpected.

He knows what we truly need, not just what we think we need.

Even when we don’t get what we asked for, He is not giving us *stones* or *snakes* but something better for our spiritual growth.

*5) The contrast between Earthly Father and Heavenly Father*

Jesus contrasts the generosity of earthly fathers with that of our heavenly Father. 

Even sinful human parents want to give good things to their children—how much more will God, who is perfectly good, give to us!

James 1:17 – *Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.*

God’s gifts may not always look like what we expect, but they are always what we truly need.

*6) Application for Our Lives*

Trust in God’s goodness even when prayers seem unanswered.

Discern between true nourishment and deceptive substitutes—spiritual bread vs. worldly distractions.

Seek the greatest gift: God Himself, not just temporary blessings.

Be grateful for God's provision, knowing He gives what is best for us.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*