BLESSINGS OF THE UNPLANNED
Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time
"When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick." (Mt. 14:13-21)
Having heard of the death of His Cousin, John the Baptist, Jesus searched for a secluded spot to grieve. When I think of grieving, I realize that Jesus shows us the way. In our world, men are not supposed to cry. Jesus shows us that with humility and vulnerability, our dependency on each other and God helps us get through tough situations. Jesus showed compassion in this gospel reading by healing the sick.
The Apostles, realizing that the only possible food in the area was 5 loaves and 2 fish, wanted to send the crowd back to town. Instead, Jesus told them to sit on the grass. Jesus "took", "blessed", "broke," and "gave" to the crowd. After five thousand men, not counting the women and children, had eaten, there were twelve full wicker baskets left over.
Two weeks ago, I had "Unplanned Blessings". I stopped to see a friend. I've reflected on the eight days in which I was given the Blessings of practicing patience, helping to give times of laughter and hope to patients, and gratitude to the Doctors and Staff. As Thea Bowman said, we need to do/say the "TRUE TRUTH." We strive for patience, and when we fail, we acknowledge and own the truth and then go from there with God's Blessings. May God always direct the "Unplanned" moments in our lives.
Author: Sister Cora Marie Billings has been a member of the Institute of the Sisters of
Mercy of the Americas for 70 years. During that time, she has been a
Teacher, a Campus Minister, and an Administrator. She is one of the Founding
Members of the National Black Sisters’ Conference. Since 1968, she has been
an advocate for human rights, anti-racism, justice and equity. As such, she has
done presentations around the nation. At present she considers herself a
Community Volunteer. Sr. Cora's Testimony
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