Wednesday 6 December 2023

Today is Wednesday the 6th of December, in the first week of Advent.

Salt of the Sound sings Kyrie Eleison.

Kyrie eleison
Christe eleison
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy




Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 15: 29-37

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, ‘I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’ The disciples said to him, ‘Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?’ Jesus asked them, ‘How many loaves have you?’ They said, ‘Seven, and a few small fish.’ Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full.

In today’s reading we are invited to enter into reflection, exploring the deep meaning of compassion, service and healing in our lives.

What is your first response to this passage?

In this passage, Jesus meets and heals many people who are suffering from many ailments and needs. Is this something you recognise in the world today?

We are reminded that Advent is a time of hope and renewal. Jesus shows compassion for all those in need. How does the need for love and kindness arise in you?

As you listen to the reading again, consider the miraculous abundance that flows from Jesus. Call to mind times when God's grace and love has shown in your life, or in the lives of others.

‘And all of them ate and were filled.’
In this time of Advent prayer, be confident to share your thoughts and feelings with our generous God.

O Wisdom,
Lord and Ruler,
Root of Jesse,
Key of David,
Rising Sun,
King of the Nations,
Emmanuel.
Come, Lord Jesus.