Memorial of Saint
Alfonso Ligouri, bishop and doctor of the Church
(Jeremiah 28:1-17; Matthew 14:13-21)
Philosopher Robert Solomon understands grief as a
continuation of love. He sees people in
grief coming to terms with the fact that they will see their loved ones no
more. Seeking seclusion, the grieving try
to understand what the dead meant to them and resolve how they will carry on without
them. Thus, grieving is a process leading
to action. In today’s gospel Jesus is
seen retreating so that he might come to terms with the assassination of his
mentor, John the Baptist.
Jesus became a disciple of John in the desert. After his baptism, Jesus went his own way, but
the two kept in touch. Now Jesus has to
consider his destiny in light of how John, an equally popular prophet, was mistreated. He is not allowed much time. The crowd searches him out. He resolves to throw himself on the mercy of
the Father. He will continue his mission
of reuniting the twelve tribes of Israel.
To show his care for them, he petitions his Father to supply enough for
all to eat. Then he witnesses the Father’s
immediate and gratifying response.
The food that Jesus’ intercession produces is rightly
seen as Eucharistic. We partake of it
when we break bread in Jesus’ name at mass.
It first draws us together in him and then sends us out to others. We continue Jesus’ labor of reconciling the
peoples of the world.
