Jesus called his disciples and said to them, “I am filled with compassion for these people; they have already followed me for three days and now have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away fasting, or they may faint on the way.“ His disciples said to him, “And where shall we find enough bread in this wilderness to feed such a crowd?“ Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?“ They answered, “Seven, and a few small fish.“
     Jesus ordered the people to sit on the ground. Then, he took the seven loaves and the small fish, and gave thanks to God. He broke them and gave them to his disciples, who distributed them to the people.
     They all ate and were satisfied, and the leftover pieces filled seven wicker baskets.

REFLECTION:
      I was invited to a great wedding party in the top hotel of San Francisco, California. Everybody was enjoying. There was so much laughter and dancing. No dull moments. No tears. No distinction between Americans, Filipinos, Blacks and Puerto Ricans. The prophet Isaiah describes the day of the Lord‘s coming as great feast for all that God Himself will prepare in abundance of rich food and choice wines. The party I attended of course cannot compare with the heavenly banquet. But for me, it is a foretaste and picture of what is to come. The prophecy of Isaiah brought me to a desire: “One thing I seek is to dwell in the house of the Lord all days of my life.“ May it inspire us all to desire seriously our heavenly home. After all, we are all invited.
     Another moving picture today is the gospel narrative, where Jesus healed the dumb, the blind, the lame, the crippled and those with deformities, and then feed them. For what reason did Jesus do it? Jesus said; “I am filled with compassion for these people; they have now followed for three days.“ God graciously poured his compassion and mercy on them, even if they were only with Him for three days. Same compassion is available to us and surely it will be more if we follow and serve Him longer, unconditionally.