July 31, 2011
18th Sunday Ordinary Time
"Give them something to eat yourselves." The disciples ask Jesus to dismiss the crowd so they can find food and lodging in local villages but Jesus challenges the disciples (men and women) to give something themselves. We are inclined to make referrals when someone is in need to a government office or social agency. But even when I refer a person or family to Catholic Charities services, Jesus still asks me to give them something yourself -- my attention, empathy, prayer and encouragement without being judgmental. Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks and directs the disciples to distribute bread and fish to the hungry crowd. A disciple is personally and (with his brothers and sister disciples) communally responsible to extend the compassionate love and concern of Jesus. Here in the Gospel according to Matthew we see a foreshadowing of the Church -- preaching, forgiving, healing and caring of Christ will continue in those who follow and gather for Eucharist. I express my appreciation to all who contributed to the Catholic Charities Appeal. Annunciation reached our parish goal of $66,000+. We support missions in Nicaragua, Haiti and east Buffalo. Members of our parish are professionally involved in health care, care for persons with AIDS, prison ministry, immigration assistance and service to the unemployed. We understand the challenge of Jesus to give them something to eat yourselves applies to individuals and to the Church.
We are in national debate on the limit and scope of government. We are beginning to realize that we can no longer spend the money of future generations on programs and benefits that are not funded today. We must live within our means yet we must also define the role and responsibility of government to address social issues of housing, health care, unemployment, education, hunger and poverty. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus feeds the multitude on two occasions -- Jewish (ch 14) and Gentile (ch 15). In chapter 25 of Matthew, Jesus speaks of judgment on the nations! When the Son of Man comes and the nations of the world assemble before the great King, the blessing of the Father and inheritance of the Kingdom will be bestowed on those who care for Christ hidden in persons ignored and forsaken. What we do to the least of our brothers and sisters we do unto Christ.
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17th Sunday Ordinary Time
