They Ate and Were Satisfied

February 14, 2009

Memorial of Saint Cyril, monk, and Saint Methodius, bishop

The LORD God then called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" Genesis 3:9

“My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.” Mark 8:2

Piety

Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Relent, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! Fill us at daybreak with your love, that all our days we may sing for joy. Make us glad as many days as you humbled us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. Show your deeds to your servants, your glory to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God be ours. Prosper the work of our hands! Prosper the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:12-17)

Study

God wants us around. Even after Adam disobeyed the instructions in the Garden, God is still looking for Adam. “Where are you?” It is Adam who is ashamed of his actions, not God.

The next Men’s Cursillo in Arlington is using Psalm 40:8-9 as its theme. “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.” How different salvation history would have been if that phrase was Adam’s answer when the Lord came calling.

Acting in the Sacrament of the Present Moment has been a common reaction throughout the Bible. From Isaiah to Samuel, from Moses to Ananias, people of faith have put themselves in the presence of the Lord marked with obedience and humility with similar phrases. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

When we answer “Yes” to God, God answers “Yes” to us.

Jesus, also, wants us around. Even after the crowds have been with him for three days, instead of sending them home, he acts like a Benedictine and offers holy hospitality…getting his guests something to eat. Even if we have nothing, Jesus will provide for us. If the only food around was the fruit from the tree of knowledge, Jesus would probably pick that and offer it to the crowds. Instead of that, Jesus has a much more satisfying meal to offer to his visitors. As the bumper sticker says, “Without the Bread of Life, you’re toast.”

Action

Where are you when God calls? Are you busy watching the big game on TV? Maybe you are headed down to the Mall for the big sale. Put yourself in God’s presence this weekend. Show up for church early enough to contemplate the readings before Mass begins. Stick around until Jesus offers you a meal that is much more satisfying than anything you can get at IHOP or Brion’s Grille. And then shock Fr. Barkett and stay until the last verse of the last hymn is sung.