Gospel: John 6: 1-15
Today's Gospel portion is one of many examples in which Jesus performs his ministry of healing, liberating, and feeding others while rejecting any accolades or positions of power. Jesus provides feeding for a multitude of people where no one is excluded, where all are fed. The crowd recognizes the miraculous work of Jesus in providing for all, and they want to make him king, but as in so many other instances, Jesus flees from them, rejecting the title and position of earthly power.
How different is Jesus from us! How often do we see religious leaders seeking positions of influence in the halls of secular power. How often do we seek recognition and accolades from others for the work we do for others. But the path of Jesus is one of quiet, humble service of love that seeks not one's own self-interest but solely the good of the other.
Plenty of opportunities exist for us to engage in this humble work. Caring for those in nursing homes, hospitals, and shut-ins. Visiting those who are in prisons and homeless shelters. Feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. Helping immigrants, migrants, and refugees. These deeds will not find their way into news media, and there are many who do this work in quiet, loving humility. Today, we look to follow Jesus' example of feeding others and rejecting the temptation to power and prestige.
No comments:
Post a Comment