The Eyes of the Good Shepherd

This weekend we will listen to Matthew's Gospel, 14:13-21, the miracle of the loaves and fishes. What catches my attention is what happens at the beginning of that gospel. Jesus had heard of the death of John the Baptist so he withdrew to a deserted place. However, the crowds knew that he had left so they followed him. As Matthew describes, "When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick." Our Lord saw the vast crowd and in another passage we hear that they were like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, he looks upon the people with great love and compassion. He does whatever he can to improve their lives and boost their spirits. In this gospel passage for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle A readings, Jesus feeds the crowd. The disciples wanted to dismiss the crowd but Jesus had other ideas. He was going to provide the people with bodily nourishment, as well as spiritual nourishment because I am sure the miracle caused the people to take notice. Each week, we encounter Jesus in the breaking of the bread at the Eucharist. The Eucharist is our spiritual nourishment, our food for the journey. Our Lord works a miracle in our lives each time we receive this beautiful gift. When we receive the Eucharist we become what we believe, that it is truly the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. Jesus is dwelling in us and we are to conform our lives and our hearts to his. Let us receive the Eucharist this weekend and every day with reverence and devotion. The Lord touches our mind, our heart, our soul, and even our eyes so we can see the love and compassion that comes from the Good Shepherd and share it with others. Have a blessed weekend!!!