Reflect, today, on the first disciples of Jesus who lived the difficulties to be with him

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. They collected the remaining fragments: seven full baskets. Matthew 15: 36–37

This line concludes the second miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes told by Matthew. In this miracle, seven loaves and a few fish were multiplied to feed 4.000 men, not counting women and children. And once everyone ate and was satisfied, there were seven full baskets left.

It is difficult to underestimate the effect this miracle had on those who were actually there. Perhaps many did not even know where the food came from. They just saw the baskets go by, they filled up and passed the rest to others. While there are many important lessons we can learn from this miracle, let's consider one.

Remember that the crowds had been with Jesus for three days without food. They were amazed as he continually taught and healed the sick in their presence. They were so stunned, in fact, that they showed no sign of leaving him, despite the obvious hunger they must have felt. This is a wonderful picture of what we must try to have in our inner life.

What is it that "amazes you" in life? What is it you can do hour after hour without losing your attention? For these early disciples, it was the discovery of the Person of Jesus himself that had this effect on them. And you? Have you ever found that the discovery of Jesus in prayer, or in reading Scripture, or through the testimony of another, was so compelling that you were absorbed in His presence? Have you ever been so absorbed in our Lord that you think of little else?

In Heaven, our eternity will be spent in perpetual adoration and "awe" of the glory of God. And we will never tire of being with Him, in awe of Him. But too often on Earth, we lose sight of the miraculous action of God in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Too often, however, we are absorbed by sin, by the effects of sin, pain, scandal, division, hatred and those things that lead to despair.

Reflect today on these early disciples of Jesus. Meditate, in particular, on their wonder and awe as they remained with him for three days without food. This call from our Lord must grab and overwhelm you so much that Jesus is the one and only focus of your life. And when it is, everything else falls into place and our Lord provides for all your many other needs.

My divine Lord, I love you and want to love you more. Fill me with wonder and amazement for You. Help me desire you above all things and in all things. May my love for You become so intense that I find myself always trusting You. Help me, dear Lord, to place you at the center of my whole life. Jesus I believe in you.