Read Numbers 11:4-15, Ps. 81:12-17, Matthew 14:13-21
“Now the rabble among them had a strong craving; and the people of Israel also wept again, and said, ‘O that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic, but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing but this manna to look at.” (Numbers 11:4-6)
Economists were not just blabbing when they concluded that “human wants are insatiable.” No matter how much we have, we always crave more. We never appreciate what we have.
The Israelites had just been freed from slavery, but so long as they did not have all the meat and fish they craved, their freedom meant nothing to them. Their inability to count their blessings became a stumbling block to their happiness.
Regardless of how wealthy a person may be, their wealth means nothing to them as long as they lack contentment. The true definition of poverty is not how little one has but one’s degree of contentment. You are rich as long as you are content with what you have and can count your blessings.
When the news of the gruesome death of John the Baptist came to Jesus, He withdrew to a quiet place alone. People noticed and decided to follow Him. Matthew says: “He had compassion on them and healed their sick…” How did Jesus attend to the great crowd despite being in a state of mourning? The secret is contentment.
Jesus did not have everything going well for him, but somehow, he focused on the things he was grateful for; that way, he could rise above the immediate pain in his heart. Being content is something other than what happens by chance. It is a deliberate act.
Contentment is a decision to focus only on what you are grateful for. It is ignoring your problems and praising God as though you had no problems. It is choosing to accept your life as it is knowing that God only permits what is best for you to happen to you.
Let us pray: Almighty and ever-living God, teach me to be grateful even when things are rough. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 18 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Numbers 11:4-15, Ps. 81:12-17, Matthew 14:13-21).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu