1st Reading – Isaiah 55:1-3
Isaiah 40:1 through 55:13, also known as Deutero- (2nd) Isaiah, has been called the
Book of Comfort. The prophet places ancient traditions in a cosmic setting, so that the new
exodus levels mountains or strikes flowing water in the heights. The Mosaic covenant is
expanded into a world-wide covenant by mentioning the covenants with Noah and with
Abraham and Sarah. The author sees the garden of paradise emerge before his eyes. The
spirit of the liturgy breaks forth into new life through his hymns, laments, and
proclamation of the word. On the 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time (four weeks ago) we heard
the closing words of the conclusion of the Book of Comfort. Today we hear the opening
words of this same conclusion.
2nd Reading – Romans 8:35, 37-39
Today we finish our study of Romans chapter eight. As you will recall, last week we
heard the basis of the doctrine of predestination. We now hear how Christ bears witness
for us. To better understand the context. We will begin our reading at verse 28 and
continue straight through to verse 39.
Gospel – Matthew 14:13-21
Having heard of Jesus’ teaching in parables for the past three weeks, we skip over the beheading of John the Baptist and go to the feeding of the five thousand. The time is now a little over a year into Jesus’ public ministry. According to John 6:4 this is near the Passover time and the next Passover will be the occasion of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Matthew connects this incident (the feeding of the five thousand) with the killing of John the Baptist and the withdrawal of Jesus from Galilee. Mark and Luke associate it with the return of the twelve from their mission and a withdrawal into solitude for rest.
