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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Isaiah 55:1 - 3
Psalm 144
Romans 8:35 - 39
Matthew 14:13 - 21
Today we are invited to share in a banquet, a symbol the Bible often evokes to celebrate God's care for Israel. In the first reading the prophet Isaiah calls the poor to a joyful banquet where they will enjoy rich food and drink. Meals are a characteristic of the Passover ritual, and of the ratification of the Sinai covenant, but, through Isaiah, God is now offering spiritual benefits from sharing food in ordinary daily life. All the promises made to David are now available to all the people of Israel.
The banquet theme is picked up again in the Gospel. Matthew describes how five loaves and two fish were distributed between five thousand men, plus women and children, a sizeable proportion of the population of Israel. The sequence of Jesus' actions is that "he blessed, broke and gave" using the ritual of the daily Jewish meal. The formula also points to the institution of the Eucharist which, in turn, anticipates the messianic banquet in the kingdom.
The readings reveal that God's blessings are not restricted to a few or to one people but to everyone. Spend some time today reflecting on how you understand God's blessings.
The readings point out that in order to receive God's blessings we have to be prepared to share our food with one another. Are you aware of giving and receiving those blessings?
When you take part in the Eucharist this week remember that you are also experiencing the messianic banquet.
Today's psalm tells us that the Lord opens wide his hand. He is generous to all. Pray the psalm today with thanksgiving.