Monday 3rd August- Monday of week 18 of the year

HE CARES FOR YOU TENDERLY

Matthew 14:13-21

Chioma was to resume at the University in about a month and she barely had any of the materials needed for school including her tuition, having lost both parents a year earlier. The only caring family she had was her old grandmother who tried everything in her power to fulfil all Chioma’s desires. All Chioma could think of doing was to draw closer to God, trusting that in his prsence all her needs would be supplied for He exceptionally cares for her. Just a week to resumption, she got a scholarship from the University board of trustees to fund her tuition throughout her stay in the institution.

Dear friends, just like Chioma, the people in today’s gospel reading (Mt 14:13-21) followed Jesus all the way trusting that their needs would be granted and indeed He supplied them with both physical and spiritual nourishment. Unlike the people in the gospel reading, the Isrealites in the book of Numbers failed to realise they had a God of providence who would not let his people die of starvation. Their lack of trust made them complain against God and Moses. We are often guilty of this too. We grumble about so many things when all we need to do is to hand over our concerns to the Lord and follow Him all the way. Let us learn to put ourselves beneath the God’s throne of mercy and grace for He tenderly cares for us, all we need do is sweetly rely on him.

Cast on Him your heavy burden

For He surely cares for you;

Sweetly now, rely upon Him

Tenderly He cares for you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, teach me to understand how much you care for me that I may always put my trust in you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 50 – What role does man play in God’s providence?

The completion of creation through divine providence is not something that happens above and beyond us. God invites us to collaborate in the completion of creation.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Leave all your worries with Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 GNB

Today’s readings: Num 11:4-15; Ps 81:12-17; Mt 14:13-21