Theme: Do we follow Jesus or our own religion?
Scripture: 1 King 12:26-32, 13:33-34; Ps. 105:6-7. 19-22; Mk. 8:1-10
Like David, Jeroboam was also chosen by God to be the king of ten tribes of Israel. God had promised to help him. God said, if you hear all that I command you, walk in my ways, and do what is right in my sight to keep my statutes and my commandments, as my servant David did, then I will be with you and built for you an enduring house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you (1 Kings 11:38). Jeroboam was destined to be next David. Unlike David, Jeroboam showed impatience in his life. He tried to disown the appointed Solomon. In the case of David, he was loyal to Saul because of his anointment. David did not go against King Saul until the time God himself handed over Kingship to David.
In today’s first reading, Jeroboam showed further impatience. He mixed up religion and politics. He thought of making use of religion to serve his political mileage. People used to go to Jerusalem to worship God in the temple. He feared that the people of his ten tribes would turn away from him, if they go to worship in Jerusalem. He made two calves of gold and placed each of them in the sanctuaries in Bethel and Dan. He ordained priests of his own who were not belonged to the tribe of Levi. He set his own feasts. He offered sacrifices for the calves on the altars. In his all decisions, Jeroboam never took counsel from God. Thus, Jeroboam led all the people into sin. He created new religion, sanctuaries, rituals, feast and priesthood to serve his own benefits.
Jesus in the Gospel today, sets a tone of new religion but with the counsel of God. It is in total contrast of Jeroboam’s religion. The miracle of feeding four thousand people is considered to be one of the greatest miracles in all the Gospels. It is a pre-figuration of Sacrament of Eucharist. The words that are used in the scriptures reflect the words of the Eucharistic prayers. Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute. The same words are used at the settings of the last supper (Jn. 13). We celebrate the feast of institution of sacraments of Eucharist and priesthood on the Holy Thursday (the feast of Lord’s supper). These two sacraments make the basic fabric of our religion (Catholicism). Jesus put a foundation of new religion in the miracle of feeding of thousands. Jesus founded new community that was centered on his death and resurrection. There was no need of any statue because his sacrifice was the centre of new cult. The sanctuaries are not limited to any place but dedicated in the whole world. The priests are ordained after his own sacred heart. Thus, Jesus led everyone to salvation. Jesus set new religion; not for his own benefits, not out of his own counsel, not to establish his own kingdom. Jesus did it to fulfill the will of God, His father. Today’s liturgy of the word invites us to reflect on the following questions. Are we doing the will of God or are we doing our own will? Have me redefine religion for our personal benefits or are we faithful to Jesus and His bride, the Church? May God help us during this Eucharist to do his will in our lives.
Fr. Alex D’Mello
