Overflowing Grace

If I were to give this Homily a title – it would be Overflowing Grace.

In John 6:1-15, we witness a powerful miracle, where Jesus feeds five thousand with just five loaves and two fish. This is more than a story of physical nourishment; it’s a testament to the abundance of God’s grace and provision!

Jesus didn’t just meet the needs of the crowd; Jesus exceeded them. Jesus filled their bellies and also filled their spirits. That overflow shows up in our lives as joy, love, patience, and grace! This list could go on and on. It’s an overflow that pushes us to spend more time in the Divine presence, seeking the face of the Lord, longing for spiritual nourishment from God.

Have you ever noticed how, when God answers prayers, it's not just the prayer that gets answered? There’s a transformation that happens within us—mind, body, and spirit. Suddenly, our minds are at ease, the burdens we carried feel lighter, and the chaos becomes clarity. And yes, there is a message in the mess.

See Overflowing Grace

My favorite part is this.

When Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread, it was a rhetorical question. Jesus already knew the answer, knowing our needs before we even ask, just as Jesus knew the people needed to be fed.

Before a word leaves our lips, God is already aware of our struggles, desires, and hopes. This means we are never alone in our journey; God is always present, anticipating our needs and preparing the way.

Think about that bread. Let’s not overshadow the Bread. It’s a symbol of the Eucharist, the Bread of Life that sustains us. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life," and invites us to partake, to be nourished not just physically, but spiritually. This is the miracle of multiplication, the overflow of God’s love! The fragments collected afterward were not wasted, symbolizing the abundance of God’s love, the overflow of divine grace! Every piece gathered reminds us that with God, nothing is wasted.

Next…

When the crowd saw the miracle, they wanted to make Jesus their king. But Jesus withdrew, for the calling was not of this world. Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior, teaches us a powerful lesson.

Here is the truth:

Being their king or holding earthly power was not Jesus’ assignment. Jesus listened to God, knowing that the true purpose was greater. This Gospel calls us to understand the unique assignment and purpose God has placed on our lives. The only way to grasp this is by spending time with the Divine, building a deep relationship. Jesus knew the people wouldn’t understand, so Jesus went alone up the mountain, leaving even the disciples behind. This means sometimes you will need to go to the mountain alone. Not everyone will understand your calling, but it’s not between you and them; it’s between you and God.

Overflowing Grace

After the overflow of grace, there is an afterglow.

The overflow then the afterglow of grace! When we talk about the afterglow of divine grace, we’re referring to the lasting impact of God’s blessings in our lives. It's that lingering presence of divine love and mercy, illuminating our path even after the initial moment of blessing has passed. Just as the sky retains the warmth of the sun after it sets, our hearts carry the light of God’s grace. The afterglow also deepens our faith.

Let us cherish this afterglow, allowing it to remind us of God's unfailing love endures forever.

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