*GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION BRINGS ABOUT MIRACLES* (2Kings 4:42-44; Eph 4:1-6; John 6:1-15)

*GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION BRINGS ABOUT MIRACLES* (2Kings 4:42-44; Eph 4:1-6; John 6:1-15)

By REV. FR. PAUL ANIGBORO

Today we begin the reflection on Jesus as the bread of life and we shall be on this theme for the next 4 Sundays. Today's readings invite us to become humble instruments in God’s hands by sharing our blessings with our needy brothers and sisters. Miracles can happen through our hands, when we collect and distribute to the needy the food destined for all by our generous God.
 
The first reading tells us how the prophet Elisha, by invoking God’s power, fed one hundred men with twenty barley loaves. This miracle foreshadowed the gospel account of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the crowd who followed him to hear his words. St. Paul in the second reading urges the people of Ephesus to keep the unity of Christ intact as one body and one spirit by living as true Christians, “bearing with one another through love”, in humility, gentleness, patience and peace. The gospel meanwhile narrates how Jesus was able to feed 5000 men with just 5 loaves and 2 fishes. 
 
Certainly lessons abounds in today's readings and I will basically summarise them into 3. Firstly, is compassion. Jesus and Elisha were moved out of compassion to help and feed the people who were hungry. A prophet must be compassionate to the need of those around him or her. We are all prophet's. This, we need to ask ourselves how compassionate am I? Compassion helps to feel for the needs of the other person and helps us in attending to it. 
 
Secondly, there is a lesson in bringing something to God for him to multiply. With merely 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Jesus was able to feed 5000 men not counting women and children. Philip didn't see the possibility of this happening, Andrew moreover was a symbol of hope who believed Jesus can work wonder with such a small food. We need to bring something to God for him to multiply. This is the lesson behind out offerings in church. 
 
Thirdly, generosity is a necessity. In the gospel we see a young boy who was willing and ready to do away with his lunch pack for the good of others. He is the main hero in the gospel today. How generous are we to what God has blessed us with. It's not only about money. What about our time, moral and spiritual support to people who truly need it? Let us learn to be generous and compassionate to people, for when we are miracles will surely happen. 
 
Lord, make us generous and kind always. Amen. 
 
Good morning and do have a wonderful Sunday. God loves you.

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