19 August 2011: Memorial -- St John Eudes, priest

(1601-1680) Born in France. He preached and encouraged devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He founded an association of priests and the religious ‘Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity’. (Fr James Socias, ‘et al’ [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1614)

· “Live in Mary’s heart, love what she loves, desire what she desires, and you will have peace, joy, and sanctity.” -- St John Eudes (In Rev Joseph A Viano, SSP, “Two Months with Mary”, 1984, p33)

‘Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?’
The desert place where Jesus had led his Apostles upon returning from their mission was soon besieged by an immense crowd of people. Jesus had compassion on them, and from a rising ground where he stood with the twelve, he spoke of ‘the kingdom of God’.
The day went on; the day declined, but the crowd remained, listening to Jesus. The Apostles said to him, “This is a desert place, the hour is now past; send away the crowds that they may buy themselves food” (cf Mt 14:15). But Jesus replied, “They have no need to go; give them to eat” (Mt 14:16). Evidently, despite their want of faith, he was about to work a miracle.
After the example of these good Israelites, let us seek, according to our Lord’s precept, ‘the kingdom of heaven and his justice’ before all other things. Can we accuse ourselves of being more occupied with bodily wants, our health and comforts, than with means of glorifying God, of increasing in virtue and sanctity?
“Jesus said to Philip to test him, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ Philip answered, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little’.” (Jn 6:6-7) “... there were about five-thousand men, besides women and children.” (Lk 9:14)
“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fishes; but what are these among so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Make them sit down’. Then Jesus took the five loaves and two fishes, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and distributed to his disciples to set before the multitude. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the pieces left over, so nothing may be lost’. ... they filled twelve baskets.” (Jn 6:8-13)
Five-thousand men fed and satisfied with five loaves and two fishes. What a miracle! “Would that I could have witnessed it!” you say involuntarily. “But, you witness a similar one when you see from some seeds sown in the ground every year, God feeds millions of men.” (St Augustine, Tract 24, “in Joan.”)
The people cried out instantaneously, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come!” Strengthened in their faith, their love and devotion increased. They wanted to “take him by force and make him king”; but “Jesus fled again into the mountain by himself” (cf Jn 6:14-5).
When we visit Jesus present on our altar, and especially when we receive him in Holy Communion, of which the multiplication of the loaves was a type, let us imitate these pious Israelites and reawaken in our hearts the feelings of love, faith, devotion, and gratitude that Jesus loves so much to see in us.
Ref: Cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp515-7

First miracle of the loaves and fish
This episode must have occurred in the middle of springtime, because the grass was green (Mk 6:40; Jn 6:10). In the Near East loaves were usually made very thin, which meant it was easy to break by hand and distribute to those at table. This was usually done by the head of the household or the senior person at the meal.
Our Lord follows this custom, and the miracle occurs when Jesus breaks the bread. The disciples then distribute it among the crowd. Again we can see Jesus’ desire to have people cooperate with him.
It has been a very full day, like so many others. First, Jesus works many cures (Mt 14:14) and then performs the remarkable miracle, a symbol of the future Eucharist. Jesus had compassion on the crowd, curing their sick and giving them comfort of his teaching and nourishment of food.
He continues to do the same, down the centuries, tending to our needs and comforting us with his word and with the nourishment of his own Body. Jesus must have been very moved, realizing the vivifying effect the Blessed Sacrament would have on the lives of Christians -- a sacrament which is a mystery of life and faith and love.
Ref: “The Navarre Bible,The Gospel of St Matthew”, 1988, p134-5

United to the Tabernacle, we will win every battle
Our confidence of victory in trial and tribulation is not founded on our limited resources but on Our Lord’s protection. Our serenity rooted in him, we do not close our eyes to reality. We look at the present and to the future with optimism because the Lord is with us. He has loved us from all eternity, sacrificing his Son for our salvation.
Life’s difficulties can ultimately yield for us great good. Just as a friend brings comfort when things go bad, so must we be grateful for the company of our Friend in the nearest Tabernacle where Jesus is present with us.
We should go to him for consolation, peace and strength. “What more can we want”, wrote St Teresa, “than so good a Friend at our side, Who will not forsake us when we are in trouble and distress, as they do who belong to the world!” (St Teresa, “Life, 22, 10”)
If we decide to be close to Jesus, to be “eucharistic souls”, the Lord will watch over us. We can be strengthened in the knowledge that “the field is won”. (cf St Thomas More, “The Agony of Christ”)
“Be a eucharistic soul! If the center around which your thoughts and hopes turn is the Tabernacle, then, my child, how abundant the fruits of your sanctity and apostolate will be!” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “The Forge”, 835)
The Mother of God contemplates her Son in Heaven. She will put the right words on our lips if we are shy. She will promptly make up for our awkwardness.
Ref: Cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 5:349-50

• Our Lady of Jerusalem, near Montecorvo, in Portugal. A chapel is there seen built in imitation of the one at Jerusalem; it is said that the Blessed Virgin herself gave the plan.— Vasconcellius, in Descriptione regni Lusitaniae. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; www.bethlehemobserver.com)
• Our Lady of Jerusalem (near Montecarro, Portugal). (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html)
• “Nossa Senhora” / Our Lady of Jerusalem. Near Montecarro, Portugal. (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm)
• Our Lady of the Don, Russia (1380). (www/divinewill.org/feastsofourlady.html); (www.iskandar.com/ourlady/ourladyfeasts.html); (www.marylinks.org/Mary-Calendar.htm); (maryfest.htm / www.starharbor.com/santiago/m_feasts.html); (www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/calendar/index.html); (http://mariedenazareth.com)