Reflection for December 6, Wednesday of the First Week of Advent: Matthew 15: 29-37

Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37

At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?" 

Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" "Seven," they replied, "and a few fish." He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who served as a manager in a government office. In this role, he frequently encountered people seeking employment favors from him. Being a helpful individual, he consistently assisted them in securing positions within his office. Eventually, the manager resigned from his government job, but before doing so, he took steps to ensure that those he had helped would attain permanent positions in their jobs.

After ten years the former manager returned to his former office just to say hello to those whom he had helped. Upon arrival he got cold shoulder treatment from them. So, he left a bit sad because he wasn’t able to talk to them.

There are those who follow a person because of what he can do for them. Once that person has given what they wanted from him those who followed would be out of sight already.  It is very seldom that they will stick it out with that person come hell or high water.

There are really such kind of people who has very inclement behavioral patterns; who are ungrateful to what you’ve done for them. However, we must always extend our help not withstanding their ungratefulness.

Jesus did not choose whom He would help; regardless of whether they were grateful or ungrateful, He cured them all. He did not discriminate against anyone. – Marino J. Dasmarinas