Memorial of Saint John Neumann, Bishop

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.  By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”  He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”

Sometimes when we are faced with problems we can be tempted to take the easy way out. Like the disciples, we want to run away from our troubles. However, it is precisely in these moments of trial, risk, and uncertainty that God can reveal Himself to us. Jesus didn’t see an obstacle when he saw the hungry crowd. Instead, he saw an opportunity to glorify God through the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish. In order to better mirror Christ, we must change our outlook when faced with problems that seem beyond our abilities to deal with. We should be optimistic and open to allowing God to work through us to bring about a greater good. This doesn’t mean that we will always succeed at overcoming our trials, but it does mean that we are willing to risk ourselves to do what is right, even when we don’t quite understand how we are to overcome the obstacles in our way. Jesus does not want us to play it safe with our faith. No. He wants us to challenge ourselves to do God's Will not matter what… even when it seems most improbable.

Are we tempted to take the easy way out of our troubles? Are willing to risk ourselves to do God’s Will? Do we allow Jesus to work through us to multiply the virtues of faith, hope, and love in others?

O Lord, let us feed your children ourselves.

Amen.