18th Sunday of Ordinary Times – Multiplication of Bread (Mt 14: 13-21)

Economic Theory Proposed by Jesus

Introduction

- Poverty is a word that people are afraid about. The national leaders and politicians take it as a tool for attracting the voters. Poverty alleviation is one of the main agenda of all the ruling parties of the nations.

- There are different theories about eradication of poverty. Jesus, in the incident of the multiplication of bread proposes his theory – theory of caring, sharing and bearing.

Content

- Caring – Caring God

o Jesus was moved with compassion by seeing the crowd who was hungry.

o God provides everything for His creation.

o During the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness Jesus never performed a miracle to change the stones to bread. The miracles are performed for others, to satisfy His creation.

- Sharing – Sharing disciples

o Jesus could have performed this miracle without the help of the disciples, but Jesus depends on what they have (5 loves and 2 fish) for the multiplication of the bread. He looks forward human cooperation and participation.

o The community has needs and the individual has gifts of God.

o Sharing is not only for the rich, it is also applicable for the poor. In this incident; the disciples were poor (only 5 loves and 2 fish). Nothing is too little in the hands of God. Eg; the offering of the widow in the temple.

- Bearing – bearing witness to God’s love

o Bearing witness to ‘caring God’ through our ‘sharing’

o Use the talents and abilities for others. (ability to console, pray, smile, intellectual help etc) We are here for others.

o The problem of the world today is not the lack of resources for all, but the accumulation of the wealth in few hands. Jesus gave the bread after the multiplication to his disciples, instructing them to distribute. If they might think that it is only for their consumption, the miracles would not have happened.

o Jesus gives the resources to a few thinking that they would distribute among the poor and needy. But those who receive abundantly think that it is only for them and their family. Here the miracle of Jesus fails.

Conclusion

- We are the channels of the Holy Spirit in this world. By our actions and words the world should know that God loves his creation. Let us be true to our call to be a catholic.