Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Sr. Karen Coakley, SNDdeN August 2, 2026 Matthew 14: 13-21 In the Gospel of Matthew 14: 13-21 Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist, his cousin, and withdraws. But he is followed and is taken by the needs of the crowd, and he cures their sick despite his own grief. The crowd is hungry, and the disciples are concerned. Jesus says, “Give them some food”. Being realistic they say “We don’t have enough.” You know the story – Five loaves and two fish for five thousand men, not counting women and children. All hunger is satisfied – with twelve baskets left over! The real miracle is the unity in our whole liturgy today with its theme of the everlasting love of God in his many manifestations. May we always be open to those in need so as to meet them wherever they are. Matthew 14: 13-21 When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved […]