“My heart is
moved with pity
for the crowd,
for they have been with me
now for three days
and have nothing to eat.
I do not want
to send them away hungry,
for fear they may collapse
on the way.”
(Matthew 15:32)
Jesus' concern for the physical needs of the people shows His deep compassion and care. He addressed both the spiritual and physical needs of the people. This teaches us the importance of being compassionate and caring for the needs of others, caring for both the spiritual and physical well-being of those we serve. Let us put the needs of others before our own and to serve with a selfless heart.
Reflecting on this verse can inspire us to be compassionate, holistic in our ministry, trusting in God's provision, and selfless in our service to others.
Three days they followed, hearts so true,
With nothing to eat, their strength withdrew.
My heart is moved with pity deep,
For the crowd that follows, weary and weak.
In compassion's light, I see their need,
To send them away would be a grievous deed.
For fear they may collapse on the way,
I seek to provide, to nourish, to stay.
With love and care, I offer my hand,
To feed the hungry, to help them stand.
In every heart, a spark of grace,
To lift them up, to fill their place.
Moved with pity, my heart does yearn,
To see them fed, to see them return.
For in their eyes, I see the plea,
To be sustained, to be set free.
Lord Jesus,
Your heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with You for three days, and have nothing to eat. In Your compassion, You do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.
Grant us the same compassion and care, to see the needs of those around us, and to respond with love and generosity. Help us to provide for both the physical and spiritual needs of others, Following Your example of selfless service.
May we always trust in Your provision and be instruments of Your grace and mercy. Guide us to serve with a heart full of compassion, and to bring comfort and nourishment to those in need.
Amen.
Pericope
V: Jesus, the Kingdom and the Church
THE HEALING OF MANY PEOPLE / THE FEEDING OF THE FOUR THOUSAND
Matthew 15:29-31 / 32-39
Gospel Acclamation
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.
Gospel | Matthew 15:29-37
29 At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. 30 Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. 31 The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. 32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” 33 The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” 34 Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” 35 He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over—seven baskets full.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
