Reflection On Mark 8: 1-10

It is simply fascinating that so large a crowd of people would follow Jesus for three days without anything to eat. This attests to the fact that they were completely caught up in the person and the preaching of our Lord. Perhaps, more properly, we should say that they were being fed such a rich and abundant spiritual diet that they forgot their physical hunger. Jesus, though fully aware of their human as well as their spiritual needs, took care of both. He always ministered to the whole person. Had they been spiritually satisfied and still remained physically hungry for food, then the total person would not have been at peace. It’s good to know that the Lord is interested in the whole person. Regardless of how large the crowd and how sparse the food the Gospel states there were always leftovers. It’s a sign that God’s grace is never depleted. Seven loaves in the hands of the Lord is more than enough to feed any size crowd. Now we part of the multitude and Jesus continues to multiply the loaves and fish for us. Any of us can minister to the crowd with whatever gifts we have. Faith and grace can multiply them So that there is enough for all. We can do more with a small amount than we might imagine and there will also be something leftover for others.

Alfred Nobel was stunned, reading that day’s newspaper. The paper had reported his death! Actually it was his brother who had died. The paper depicted him as man who invented the dynamite and other dangerous explosives of mass destruction and this amassed a lot of wealth. Nobel felt a rude shock passing through his brain. “What is the sum total of all my inventions? What good did they do to humanity? Could I make the world a better place to live?”Questions with all negative answers welled up in his mind. Nobel could no more stand it. He changed. That is why we hear of the Nobel Prize every year. He set apart a major portion of his wealth to honor people who contribute positively to humanity in different fields. The world goes ahead in spite of its sinfulness, only because God inspires some people to work for the welfare of others. Similarly, Jesus un his every deed and word is an example to us. He desires the welfare of the people. He is filled with compassion. Tolstoy was on a travel when an old man approached him for alms. He searched in his pockets for some coins, but found none. He had already given out all. He embraced the man and said, “Don’t feel bad, my brother, I have nothing to give you.” “You have already given me a big gift by calling me brother”, was the response of a satisfied man.

Question Yourself:

Am I comfort or satisfy others through my words?

What good deed helps others to grow in your companionship?