They understood it as a worthy opportunity to suffer dishonor for the sake of Christ. I know that for me, much of my life and recovery journey has had me focused on disappointments and rejections as opposed to rejoicing in them as opportunities to offer them up as suffering for Christ.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus feeds His people both physically as well as spiritually. I like to think that the twelve wicker baskets filled “with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat” represents the abundant generosity of the Lord’s grace and mercy (John 6:13). This Easter season, let us be open to the everyday miracles our Lord gives us in our lives and recovery journey.
Reflection Questions
- Is the Lord asking you to transform your sufferings into an opportunity to form deeper intimacy with Him?
- What are some instances in your life and recovery when the Lord provided generously for you, leaving you with abundant “fragments” of His grace and love?
Daily Mass Readings
First Reading: Acts 5:34-42
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
Gospel: John 6:1-15
Reflection by Aaron W.