This past Sunday, the deacon at my church gave an interesting homily. The Gospel passage concerned the distribution of the loaves and the fishes. I’m sure you’ve heard about how opinions differ on this event. Traditionalists claim it was obviously a supernatural event that multiplied the food, while some modern theologians posit the “miracle” that happened that day was that people simply shared their own food with their neighbors.
During that July 27th (2012) homily, the deacon said both these views are correct. Jesus definitely performed a miracle that multiplied the food, and people also shared what they brought with them. He explained that, when Jesus told his disciples to give the people something to eat and they got to work doing the impossible, God blessed their efforts and made feeding the multitudes possible. And their efforts were contagious to those around them, who joined in to help feed each other. It is an interesting viewpoint, and a valid interpretation of the scripture passage, I think.
God does bless our efforts. He wants to let his grace work through us, even when the odds are against us. He makes the impossible possible. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:12 that they would do even greater works that He! But he also cautions that they must be connected to his “vine” to do so. (John 15:5)
I think this understanding of how Jesus wants to work through us helps explain what happened in Rhode Island this past week, concerning the tragic accident that killed a young girl attending one of our conventions this past week, and the beautiful memorial Mass organized by the local consecrated women, Legionaries and those attending the convention.
The most amazing part, in my opinion, was the beautiful news coverage! (I mean, Legionaries and RC members have not been used to getting much positive, let alone sympathetic, news coverage from the media lately!) Click on any of the following links to see what I’m talking about.
http://ww.abc6.com/story/19135668/campers-remember-12-year-old-killed-in-smithfield-car-accident
http://www2.turnto10.com/news/2012/jul/27/smithfield-vigil-07125-vi-43736/
It would appear, in addition to the inspiring example of a faith-filled girl named Daniela, the hard work and efforts of our RC consecrated, Legionaries and ECyD members in that area have born much fruit. Miracles do happen!
Consider the following quote from RC consecrated woman, Renee Pomarico, to a journalist from WPRI Channel 12. Referring to Daniela’s tragic death, she said, “There is meaning to everything and God can bring good out of every situation no matter how difficult, how painful, how tragic. And I think faith is what makes the difference.” Her comment can apply beyond the happenings in Rhode Island, to everything that has happened of late to our movement, don’t you agree?
