Wednesday of the
First Week of Advent
(Isaiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37)
A generation ago it was said that the average American
gained ten pounds over the year-end holidays.
The added weight could hardly be less now. Perhaps, then, some will have difficulty
appreciating Jesus’ concern about the people’s hunger in today’s gospel.
But just as the multiplying of loaves signifies the
Eucharistic bread, so the hunger of the crowds is not so much physical as it is
spiritual. Like people today, they crave
meaning in their lives, acceptance of their efforts, and esteem for themselves
as persons. Jesus fulfills all these
needs. He loves each person who comes
to him as an individual and invites all to join him in his Father’s kingdom.
The invitation does not come without some expectation of
us. If we are to join Jesus as brothers
and sisters, we must accept his rule for our lives. But this is not so much a challenge as it is a
blessing. Being formed by his law of
love, we become happier and assured of our eternal destiny.
