Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also gave them as much of the fish as they wanted. After Jesus multiplies the food, he Himself distributes it. He is our Host, the one whom we can trust to feed our hungers. He will be with us to nourish us at each stage of life’s journey until, at last, we arrive safely home for the everlasting banquet with him and each other. What hungers are we experiencing today as we gather around the Eucharistic table? Who are the hungry we are called by Christ to feed? How?

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In today’s gospel, Jesus looks upon a vast crowd of people and feels pity for them because they are like sheep without a shepherd. We too are often like those sheep, lost and in need of comfort, affirmation and approval. At times, we seek the “out of the way” places, so our Lord and shepherd may find us and save us. If and when we find these places, and allow ourselves to be led back, we might be changed. Not by the short-term shepherds we find along the way, but by the true, everlasting Father of hope, love and eternal life. What issue, large or small, is taking us to the out-of-the-way place where our Lord can find us?

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Much like the apostles being sent out to preach repentance to the people of Israel, so too are we called to be representatives before the world as followers of Christ. We who are baptized into the faith have a true responsibility not only to live the faith that we are given but to share that faith with others. We share this faith by being examples of Christian morality in our homes in our workplace and in our community. Just as the apostles were not welcomed everywhere that they went, so too at times we will be scoffed at and ridiculed for doing the will of God. But in knowing that we are following the faith and doing our best we can take solace in the words of Christ when he says “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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If we try to do God’s will at all times, it will be a struggle: others will probably ridicule us, slander us, malign and persecute us. To follow the Lord’s way will probably mean that we are out of step with the rest of society. It would be so easy to give up. To “go with the flow”. But Jesus calls us to be steadfast and loyal to Him. Ezekiel, Paul and Jesus experienced rejection. What about us? What priest hasn’t felt discouragement when his efforts bear little visible fruit? What Catholic hasn’t been discouraged when he tries to witness his faith and meet those who could care less, and his efforts seem to accomplish nothing? Today’s Mass tells us not to yield to discouragement. We are instruments of God’s grace. Do not count the cost but persevere and never stop to measure success. God will bring all efforts to success in His time. “My grace is sufficient for you.”

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