5th Week in Ordinary Time (II) : Saturday 14th February 2026

The unified kingdom split into two after Solomon’s death. Jeroboam became the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after it broke away from the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam was afraid his people might be disloyal to him if they continued to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which was located in Judah. Therefore, he created another focal point of religious zeal for his people, that is, by leading them astray with a parallel religious system now focused in Bethel and Dan with two golden calves, a reminder of the idols the Israelites worshipped in the desert. He did not care for his people’s salvation and well-being. The result was lasting harm: his innovations “made the House of Jeroboam a sinful House,” entangling future generations in idolatry and disobedience.

In contrast, the Gospel presents Jesus, the true Shepherd,

Whose authority is rooted, not in fear, but in compassion. Surrounded by a crowd that had followed Him for three days, Jesus recognised their hunger and refused to send them away empty. With seven loaves and a few small fish, He fed four thousand people, revealing God’s abundant care. Unlike Jeroboam, whose leadership fragmented and misled, Jesus gathers, heals, and nourishes. The miracle of the loaves shows that when God leads, scarcity becomes abundance and human need meets divine generosity. These readings invite us to choose whom we will follow: the fearful voices that lead to fragmentation, or the compassionate Christ Who restores and sustains life.

PRAYER:  Jesus, I follow You, and not the dictates of my selfish heart.