Readings: 1 Kings 12:26-32,13:33-34, Ps. 106:6-7,19-22, Mark 8:1-10
“Jeroboam said to himself: ‘…If these people continue to go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the heart of these people will turn again to their master, King Rehoboam of Judah.’” (1 Kings 12:26-27)
Jeroboam’s rise to power was God’s punishment for Solomon’s idolatry. However, after settling down in the office, Jeroboam suddenly becomes insecure. Instead of relying on God, he let his fear get the better of him. Similarly, Jesus’ disciples panicked when Jesus asked them to feed the crowd. They did not know that Jesus was testing their faith. What do we learn from our readings today?
1. Do Not Be Insecure, Commit Your Fears to God: Jesus wanted to teach his disciples to trust God completely in all circumstances by feeding the multitude. Jeroboam feared he might lose power to Rehoboam if the people continued to go to Jerusalem to pray. In that state of insecurity, Jeroboam did not believe that God (who had taken him from grass to grace and protected him from Rehoboam’s attacks) could keep the kingdom together. If you are worried about a problem you have already committed to God, it is a sign that, like Jeroboam, you have become insecure. Trust in God.
2. Never Break Your Covenant with God: By turning to idol worship, Jeroboam forgot his agreement with God (during his meeting with Prophet Ahijah): “If you will listen to all that I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you, and will build you an enduring house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.” (1 Kings 11:38). Are you having a very difficult time? Know that it is just a test. The devil has nothing to offer. Never break your covenant with God. Indulging in sin may seem the only way out, but it only worsens matters.
3. Begin with the Little You Have: Jesus’ disciples wondered, “How can we feed these men with bread here in the desert?” In response, Jesus said, “How many loaves have you?” Jesus’ question changed everything. Instead of asking God to help you locate your helper, you should ask: “What do I have?” Often, we look down on our seven loaves in a bid to gather millions, forgetting that, with gratitude, we can multiply little things. In other words, as St. Paul would say: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). With thanksgiving, Jesus fed four thousand persons with seven loaves and a few small fish. Thanksgiving multiplies things. Eckhart Tolle once said, “If the only prayer you ever said is ‘Thank You’, it will be enough.”
4. Be Compassionate towards the Plight of Others: Jesus says in today’s Gospel passage: “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me three days now and have nothing to eat.” Selfishness is a disease that is ravaging our society today. No one wants to be his brother’s keeper, not even our leaders. You hardly hear anyone ask you if you have eaten. In this miracle, Jesus teaches us the importance of love (showing concern for others). Be Generous, don’t be afraid to share. When we break the little we have for others, it continues to multiply, and we will have an abundance. Twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered from just seven loaves and a few fish. Never waste food. If you have what you need to survive, the rest belongs to those who cannot afford it.
Saints Cyril and Methodius, the “Apostles to the Slavs” and Co-Patrons of Europe, were brothers from Thessalonica whose lives bridged the gap between the Byzantine East and the Roman West. Cyril (born Constantine) was a brilliant scholar and monk known as “the Philosopher,” while Methodius served as a high-ranking official before becoming a monk and eventually a Bishop.
In 863, at the request of Prince Rastislav, they embarked on a mission to Great Moravia. To ensure the Word of God could truly take root in the hearts of the people, Cyril developed the Glagolitic alphabet, the precursor to Cyrillic, to translate the Holy Scriptures and the Liturgy into the vernacular Slavonic tongue. This move was revolutionary and controversial; they travelled to Rome to defend their use of the vernacular before Pope Adrian II, who ultimately gave his apostolic blessing to their mission and approved their Slavonic liturgical books.
While Cyril died in Rome in 869, Methodius returned to his flock as an Archbishop, enduring years of imprisonment and bitter opposition from Germanic clergy who opposed his methods. Through their tireless labour, they not only evangelised the Slavic nations but also became symbols of ecclesial unity, proving that the Gospel is universal and can be expressed through the unique genius of every culture.
Let us pray: O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, grant that our hearts may grasp the words of your teaching, and perfect us as a people of one accord in true faith and right confession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saints Cyril, monk, and Methodius, Bishops. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 Kings 12:26-32,13:33-34, Ps. 106:6-7,19-22, Mark 8:1-10)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu