Breaking the Word – Page 2265 – Rev. Dr. Victor Antonyraj SDB

01.08.11 FAITH OR LITTLE FAITH

Posted under Reflections on August 2nd, 2011 by

Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once (Jesus) spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how (strong) the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God." After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed. (Mt 14: 22-36)

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side of the sea. Jesus had planned this move. He wanted them to learn a lesson through the following event. The disciples also left for the other side because they were sure of themselves. At least some of them were fishermen and hence they knew the sea and they knew how to manage the rough sea.

Among the disciples Peter was certainly a fisherman. He was confident of himself. This is one of the reasons why he asked Jesus to let him also walk on the water. Jesus wanted to teach him (probably) a lesson so he let him do it. Peter tried it by himself and he was a failure. He had already said once to Peter unless it is revealed from the father you would not have said this.

Jesus taught the disciples that they should have faith. In the case of miracles also, Jesus told the persons who were healed that their faith had healed them. In life anything positive or successful is a gift of God and this is give for those who are men of faith. Faith is essential for a happy and successful life. Men of little faith also live their lives but they struggle through difficulties and problems.

31.07.11 FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND

Posted under Reflections on July 30th, 2011 by

When Jesus heard of it, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." (Jesus) said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here." Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over — twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children. (Mt 14: 13-21)

The gospel writer was talking about the death of John the Baptist (Mt 14:1-12). When Jesus heard about this, Jesus moved away from the people to be alone by himself. He usually moved to the deserted place to be alone or to pray etc. In this case probably he moved to the deserted place to reflect about the event and its implications and also to discern the will of God in this event.

The crowd also followed him. They wanted to be with him to console him (!) or they followed him because there is no more the Baptizer. But Jesus realized their need. They wanted someone to lead them, to assist them, to preach to them. Jesus also recognized their need for food. Jesus was able to read the mind of the people. He knew their need and want without their asking for it.

Jesus asked his disciples to offer them help. In the kingdom of God which Jesus came to establish, Jesus and his disciples are there to assist the people to help them in their time of need. The little they had (five loaves and two fish) were the basis on which Jesus worked the miracle of feed the five thousand. The disciples were asked to bring out the little they had. The little becomes the source of miracle when accompanied by prayer of blessing.