Lord, give us a generous and a compassionate heart

Readings: 1st: Acts 5:34-42; Ps 27; Gos John 6: 1-15

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

In today’s gospel, John presents one of the miracles of Jesus. This miracle was made possible by the combination of two important virtues, compassion and generosity.

Today’s gospel presents the image of an imminent crisis. Christ saw the hunger crisis, and was sensitive to it. So, moved by compassion for his flock, he did something wonderful. He fed more than five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish.

There are some lessons we must learn from today’s gospel. The first is the compassion of Jesus for his flocks. Compassion is the foundation of empathy and sympathy. We need it in order to understand what it means for others to be hungry, thirsty, sick, homeless, jobless, and lonely. In fact, we need it to be human and sensitive to the need of others.

The Second lesson is that, God can transform something little, into something great. So, we must not doubt God as the disciples did, because, “With God all things are possible.” (Mt 19: 26). Paul says: “I can do all things, in Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4: 13).

The third lesson is the generosity of the little boy. He was a hero in Jesus’ miracle. Generously, he offered what he had. Through his generosity, his community was blessed with a miracle. This teaches us that, sometimes, God works with what we have.

So, to be compassionate, is to be like Christ. To be generous, is to cooperate with Christ in his ministry and miracle. Christ needed the cooperation of his disciples and community, and they cooperated. Their fraternal spirit changed the destiny of their community.

How do we respond to the needs of our community in times of crisis and need? Our talents, time, treasure and experience are values and gifts that we must place at the service of others. This is especially, in times of crisis and need.

A generous and compassionate attitude can enrich the life of many, as well as our own life. When compassion and generosity meet, a great miracle happens for a community united by one faith, one spirit, and one baptism.

Let us ask God to give us a generous, and a compassionate heart. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!