Mt.14: 13-21
“The little angel of Columbia” is a moving story of a nine-year-old Albeiro Vargas, who transformed his surrounding with his compassionate love and care for the elderly people. Albeiro was different from his peer group; his heart always reached out to the needy. He could not ignore the inconsolable cry of the elderly in the slum, who were abandoned by their children and family members. You may be thinking what can a nine year old boy do for them? He used to visit the city daily and collect food for his children. Yes, rightly Albeiro became the father of many old people at the age of nine. He touched their lives with his tender love and healed the wounds of their loneliness with his care. He formed a society along with his like-minded companions. They used to visit these people occasionally, bathed them, treated their wounds, cleaned their little huts, brought them out for games, and other entertainments to keep them cheerful. Later on, a French journalist made the documentary based on the charitable deeds of Albeiro titled – “The Little Angel of Columbia,” which became viral in France and the well-wishers came forward to assist the divine mission of Albeiro and today it became a mighty tree that shelters many… Albeiro gave the little that he had to the Lord and the Lord multiplied his generosity…
Are we sensitive enough to the needs of others? The gospels passage of the day portraits a meaningful example of Jesus’ sensitivity towards his fellow brethren. The multitude of people came to listen to Jesus He shared the Word of God with them. He broke the Word to satisfy their spiritual hunger and it was evening time since it was a lonely place, the disciples did not have much means to provide for their food. Therefore, they wanted to send them back to their places. However, Jesus did not allow it because these people were faithfully listening to Jesus and if we send them home without food, it would be an insensitive act and on the way, that they might collapse.
At these crucial moments, Jesus asks his disciples to provide food for the people. The disciples express their helplessness and surrender what they have five loaves and two fish at the feet of Jesus. Jesus multiplies it and entrusts the disciples to serve and the entire multitude was fed and satisfied. Jesus invites all of us to reflect on the value of sharing. Jesus could have worked this miracle from out of nothing. However, he multiplies what the disciples gave him -five loaves of bread and two fish.
The gospel passage invites us to reflect on our contribution to establishing the kingdom on earth. This personal contribution is valuable to us. It can be our time, talents, personal belongings, etc. When we generously give ourselves for others, Jesus will bless and multiply it for the good of the community. However, it demands. At times, like disciples, we too may tend to wash our hands and think that let them find means for themselves and not willing to get involved or not generous enough to make a small personal sacrifice like five loaves and two fish.
When we are generous, God bless our generosity beyond measure. Every Eucharist is a reminder of the great generosity of the Lord. Jesus gave his own body and blood for the salvation of the world. As Eucharistic bread, he reaches to the millions of hearts and satisfies their spiritual hunger. Through these faithful, he reaches out to many even to non-believers by way of their service, friendship, etc. As we continue our journey, let us align our life taken into consideration the life of our needy brethren that God may multiply and transform our lives as streams of his mercy and love.