Sit Down

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37
Notes: There are two previous reflections on this gospel reading today.

Reference:
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/12/01/my-heart-is-moved/
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2019/12/05/pity-and-fear/

Summary

In these readings today we experience the impact of the ministry of Jesus among the people. If we let ourselves enter the moment by way of imagination we can see with the eye of our heart the compassion and the movement of people toward the LORD. There is a lot of movement in these stories. But they all end the same way.

Sit down.
Don’t run to and fro.
Sit down before the LORD with all your cares are worries.

Sit down with all those you love presented before him.

The story of two miracles are spanned in today’s gospel portion.

The Healing of Many People.
The Feeding of the Four Thousand.

Sit down at his feet. Sit down at table.
So he may cure, heal, feed and dine with you and you with him.

Reflection

In our modern age we run from doctor to doctor, accountant to accountant, store to store and every other center of excellence to get what we want. Yet what we maot want and need is found in one simple act. Sit down before the LORD. He will heal and feed us for he is a loving God.

Personal Reflection

At my age confusion comes easy. With enough tasks and distractions and demands for my attention I get overwhelmed. Even in Advent! I have to remind myself to slow down and sit still. Be still before the LORD; wait for him (PS 37:7a). Yes, that’s it.

First Reading
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.

Responsorial
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Gospel Acclamation
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.

Gospel
The Healing of Many People.
The Feeding of the Four Thousand.

At that time:
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.”

He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry