Commentary on the Gospel of

Kelly Tadeo Orbik

The first reading from Exodus is a story of God meeting us in our human moments of weakness, distrust and despair. God responded to the demands of Moses and his followers with a sign of abundance and generosity.  The miracle of food in the desert gave the group energy and sustenance to continue. The sign of hope in the desert urged them forward on their path.

 

Although our faith may fill us, sustain us and guide us, we are not immune to human basic needs. God’s commitment to the dignity and flourishing of all humans was not only through saving this group from Egypt but also providing for them along the way. Our God desires us not only freedom but health as well. 

 

How much can we relate to the grumbling of this group? It is hard to ignore the pangs of hunger. Once an entire group is grumbling, it can be unbearable. This group was sent out, saved from one kind of oppression only to find them weakened and limited by their humanness. God had promised something to them, but now hot, tired, lonely and hungry in the desert, doubt starts to creep in.

 

I take comfort in the reflection that God did not demand absolute trust and suffering from this wandering group in the desert.  God heard their pleas and generously gave them hope and sustenance as abundantly as the dew falls.

 

I am called to look for God’s miracles poured out today in my life. What gifts have I been given after my own grumbling or better though prayer?

 

Who are people in our time who are lost in their own desert journeys who need us to respond to provide spiritual and physical food for the journey? 

 

Today’s gospel reading from Matthew reminds us to prepare our hearts and lives to receive the good seed of God’s word so that we may bear fruit sixty or thirtyfold.

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