Aug 4 – Memorial for St. John Mary Vianney, priest
In his youth, John Mary Vianney (1786-1859) taught other children their prayers and catechism. As a priest, was assigned to a parish which suffered from very lax attendance. He began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor, spent days in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, did penance for his parishioners, and led his people by example. Crowds came to hear him preach, and to make their reconciliation because of his reputation with penitents.
He has been declared patron saint for all priests.
- Patron Saint Index
Num 11:4-15
Mt 14:13-21
“We have here only five loaves and two fishes”
Why is the fourth book in the bible called Numbers?
This name is the English translation of the Greek word ‘arithmoi’. It details two censes, which Moses did on God’s command, to number the Israelite males from twenty years old and upward and able to fight war. Moses and Aaron counted 603,550.
God is faithful to his covenant. From a single individual — Abraham — came Isaac, Jacob, and his 12 sons; the descendants indeed multiplied like the stars in heaven to be his chosen people. However, Numbers also carries a warning for us to be faithful. There are consequences if we fall into rebellion, unbelief and sin. Today’s first readings are a case in point. The Israelites craved for meat. They were sick of just eating manna and complained incessantly. God was angry. He did send them quail as meat to eat. While the meat was between their teeth and before they could swallow, a severe plague came upon all those that complained and they died.
This story is so true. If we only seek material and human needs, we will never be satisfied for long. That is our human nature. We will always be hungry for something immediate. The gospel reading follows this theme. In Matthew 14, Jesus fed five thousand with five loaves and two fishes. All ate and were satisfied. In Matthew 15, Jesus again fed seven thousand with seven loaves and some fish. Later, these two separate events caused Jesus some consternation. He remarked that the people now flock to him because they want to be fed. They were looking to Jesus to meet their immediate needs.
Today’s readings teach me two things — firstly, that I am so much like the Jews in the Gospel. Many times, I only pray because I have pressing needs — when I want something to turn out well. I realise I pray the most when driving to a client meeting and in need to close a sale! I will try and change that.
The second lesson is that I used to think the manna, five loaves and two fish were references mainly to the Last Supper. As I reflect on the readings, I see another connection — it is about trust and sacrifice. Abraham trusted in God and his descendants multiplied. Likewise, the boy trusted Jesus and gave up his food (I am sure he was hungry too) and reaped a miracle. Mother Theresa famously said that success is not our concern. We only participate and do our best and trust in God for the outcome.
Brothers and sisters, let us now strive to give what little we have to do God’s calling and let him multiply the impact.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: Lord, help me inspire others to seek you through their journey of faith.
Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, your gift of this ministry to those who hunger and thirst.
OXYGEN 
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