The Lord will provide a banquet with choice food

Ish 25:6-10, Mt. 15:29-37. The 'Reign of God' is marked by great celebration and feasting, that is why today's first reading remarks that the Lord of Hosts will provide a banquet with choice food and fine drink. Isaiah reassures the deposed people of Israel that God has not forgotten them but will lead them to the divine mountain where He will take care of all their needs. In today's Gospel, Jesus demonstrates the essential message of the 'Reign of God' not just in words, but also in action. Compassionately, Jesus first tends to those who are physically hampered from enjoying the blessings of the 'Reign of God'. Jesus brings healing, wholeness and salvation to those who are less than whole. He heals the blind, lame, deaf and dumb. Seeing the needs of the crowd, Jesus shows God's benevolence by feeding the throngs of people. 

We are aware of the obscenity of people for whom there has been no miraculous feeding, dying of starvation in our modern, affluent world. Sometimes there are moments of humane solidarity, when people know that, with good will, we could feed the world. Whatever we give at times like that is like the loaves and fishes. When people share food and resources with strangers, they recognise our interdependence on one another. Like the disciples, we ask, “How can we feed so many, with so little?” In this season of Advent, let us take some time to reflect on our lives, our actions and how we have lived our lives thus far. Have we been faithful to God, or have we instead taken His love and compassion, His kindness and grace for granted? Let us discern in what way we can be better followers of God and let us make best use of this time of Advent in order to renew ourselves and faith.

May the Lord guide us throughout this season of Advent, that we may grow ever deeper in faith and will be able to prepare and celebrate the true joy of Christmas together as one Christian community! Amen!! Keep safe, It is well with you!!!