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Gospel Reflection – January 8, 2026
Yesterday I mentioned that these days give us a summary of the most fundamental parts of the Gospel. Today, two key aspects stand out.
First, we see God’s motivation for saving us. How is it possible that God cares about such tiny, insignificant creatures like us? Because He loves us. It’s that simple. It’s that big. We see this in Jesus at the start of today’s Gospel. Jesus is before the crowd and He feels sorry for them. Compassion is something felt by someone who has a relationship with the person they are pitying. Jesus feels compassion because the people in front of Him aren’t strangers; He doesn’t see them as a threat to His safety or comfort. Jesus looks at the crowd and sees His brothers and sisters. They are part of His life because they are His family. In other words, we are His family.
We aren’t subjects, servants, slaves, or disposable creatures. No matter how much we’ve sinned, how many unworthy things we’ve done, or how much we’ve wasted our lives, He looks at us and sees His brothers and sisters in need. And Jesus’ gaze is none other than the gaze of God. Jesus’ compassion is the greatest sign of God’s love. In that compassion, He reveals what God is really like.
That’s why He isn’t satisfied just with teaching them. He sees their need. He realizes they are hungry, and He rushes to do everything possible to feed them. They are His family. For Him, there is joy in seeing everyone sit around the same table, sharing bread and whatever else they have. The key word is “share.” Sharing is the greatest sign of brotherhood. When we share a meal, we make God’s dream—His Kingdom—come true: that we are all one family, regardless of color, race, ideas, or beliefs. Every sibling is different, but every single one is loved by the Father without distinction.
The Eucharist—the Mass—is the great Christian sign. It’s the ultimate symbol of brotherhood and the Kingdom. It’s the best gift and celebration we have in the Church. And it will always remind us of our commitment to make what we celebrate at Mass a reality in our daily lives.