Willingness to share with others

1  Kgs 12:26-32.13:33-34, Mk 8:1-10. Opportunities arise from day to day and our moral character determines how we respond to changing circumstances. Ruled by fear Jeroboam in today's first reading upsets the existing structures that connected the people to the Lord. He stopped them from going to worship in the Temple in Jerusalem, the city of the living God. Instead he erected altars in Bethel and Dan, consecrated non-Levites as priests, all in the bid to secure the kingship that he did not work for, a kingship that was gratuitously entrusted to him. Instead of trying to reunite the fractured people of God, he used the structures of religion, sanctuaries and feast-days, to control the northern kingdom of Israel and so prolonged the tragic partitions of his people.

The human tendency to selfishness and ambition is not just “out there”, or exclusively the prerogative of politicians, but it is also a temptation to each of us. There are choices to be made each day, showing how we respond to God and are willing to share with others as we ought, setting ambition aside. A good example of positive response in time of need is in the feeding of the crowd in today's Gospel. Notice how quickly and simply this miracle story ends. After the marvel of feeding “about four thousand” from seven loaves and a few fishes, Jesus did not wait about to bask in the applause. He got into the boat with His disciples and went off to the neighbourhood of Dalmanutha. Jesus was driven by compassion, not by a love of fame or celebrity. He did not perform miracles for show. Seing others restored to life and strength was His constant motivation. Promoting life was nourishment to Him and should be the same for us.

May the Lord give us courage when we are in fear and strengthen us with faith in God, hope in His promises and love of His will! Amen!! Good morning and Happy Weekend!!!