THE WHOLE PACKAGE

THE WHolE PACKAGE

“They all ate and were satisfied.” – Matthew 15:37

“God bless us everyone!” said Little Tim in Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol.” I would say that we are all indeed blessed during this beautiful month of December. The cold mornings, bright evenings and generally merry atmosphere sets this month apart from the others. Together with that comes the excitement of buying gifts (budgeting too!), attending parties and reunions, and waking up early to attend Simbang Gabi.

But I realized that the whole ambience of December is in itself God’s gift to us. He gave Jesus to us this month when the Lamb of God became Emmanuel, God with us. I think God the Father decided to package the whole thing — throwing in good weather and even causing laws so that companies give 13th month salaries and bonuses. Because of this, people have extra income and are more generous to others. So the whole month of December becomes one happy, giving month for us all.

The ambience and beauty that is December is so great because in a little way, during this month, God has ordered things so that the whole world rejoices with Him in His lavish giving. Let us share in God’s joy by giving to others.Joy Sosoban

REFLECTION:

“As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.” (Victor Hugo)

Thank You, Father, for the chance to share in Your joy of generous giving. Make my heart like Yours.

the ReAl essence Of the “OuR fAtheR”

The most common prayer among Christians is the Lord’s Prayer. Apart from the Hail Mary, it is one of the first prayers that we get to memorize early in life. It is a prayer that is so rich with meaning and calls the pray-er to a particular responsibility.

When praying it, one cannot miss the fact that it is a prayer that is supposed to be offered communally. Thus, “Our father… Give us this day our daily bread… forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us… Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us...” It speaks of the prayer’s supplication not for himself but for others even if he is praying it alone.

We cannot deny the fact that God really listens to all our prayers. Not one prayer is left unanswered. That was Jesus’ promise, “Ask and you will receive.” Hence, when we ask for bread He gives it to us. So where does the prayer’s responsibility come in? When God heeds his supplication by giving him bread he is expected to share it with others. After all, he prayed not just for his own bread but for “our” daily bread. God responds by giving it to one or some, who then are expected to share.

Today’s Gospel can be understood in the same light. The multitude is hungry. Jesus, in His compassion, multiplied the bread. But He gave them not directly to the multitude but to His apostles. And as He gave the food to them “the disciples gave them to the crowds.” Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:

Pray the “Our Father” meditatively and imagine yourself praying it with the rest of humanity.

Father in Heaven, we know You are there, listening to our every prayer. Help us to trust in that.

St. Bibiana, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.