Today we are reminded that God will provide for us. “The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,” and provide for us. No matter our struggle, God is good.
In today’s first reading, we are reminded that God will provide the richest of foods, destroy death, wipe our tears, and save us, thus we should rejoice. The responsorial Psalm says that we “shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of [our lives],” listing the ways God has saved us. Finally, the Gospel is the fish and loaves story. Again, God provides.
If you were in the crowd near the Sea of Galilee, would you have given up your food? You wouldn’t know that Jesus would do a miracle and multiply it. If anything, you are super hungry with one loaf left. Would you even tell anyone that you have bread? I imagine it’s like when you have a piece of gum and everyone around you immediately wants a piece. Do you choose to give your piece of gum away, cut it in half, or keep it to yourself?
Similarly, when we are almost completely drained of money and time, do we still give what we have to God or do we keep it to ourselves? If you’re keeping it to yourself, then don’t expect a miracle. Even the poor widow gave her two coins (Mark 12:41).
Time and time again, God provides for us. We do not need to offer sacrifices of lambs and first-born sons. All we need is to have faith and God tells us something along the lines of, “You are mine and I will raise you up. You will be safe and saved. 100 percent, I am here for you.”
So this holiday season, give of your time and your faith. Stop rushing around and take the time to be truly thankful for the little miracles that God has done in your life. Work on growing in your faith by going to daily Mass and praying for others. Show God that you live out your faith and he will work miracles through you.
No matter your struggles, your pain, your heartache, God is by your side and he has a plan for you.
God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!
Veronica Alvarado is a born and raised Texan currently living in Michigan. Since graduating from Texas A&M University, Veronica has published various articles in the Catholic Diocese of Austin’s official newspaper, the Catholic Spirit, and other local publications. She now works as the Content Specialist in Diocesan’s Web Department.
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