17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) : Sunday 25th July 2021

“The Lord will provide”. This is the key message that runs across the scripture readings today. The first reading describes the prophet Elisha’s trust in God, for he believes that God will provide enough food for a hundred men gathered at the place. He also knows that there will be sufficient food and that the people “will eat and have some leftover”.

In the gospel passage, Jesus feels compassion for the people and wants to feed them. The disciples, however, are not so confident. They point out that they do not have enough money, or even if there is food available, it would not be enough to feed the more than five thousand people gathered at the place. Jesus, however, trusts his Father. He prays and gives thanks to the Father and miraculously multiples and provides food for the people. Not only is there enough food for everyone. There are leftovers which, when collected, filled twelve baskets.

The followers of Elisha and Jesus did not have the confidence that there will be sufficient food for those gathered around them. In other words, they lacked faith that God will provide for their needs. This is a natural human response in the face of an “impossible” situation. How do we provide for so many when we do not have enough? But, with God, there is nothing impossible if we trust in Him. If God can give food to all creatures in due time, surely, He can and will provide for the needs of His people.

Lord, I believe that what is impossible for us is possible for You.