What Are We Feeding On?

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What Are We Feeding On?

Readings:
First Reading - 1 Kings 12:26–32; 13:33–34
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 106:6–7. 19–22
Alleluia - Matthew 4:4
Gospel Reading - Mark 8:1–10

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on a deep spiritual question: What truly sustains us?

When Fear Replaces Faith

In 1 Kings 12, King Jeroboam allows fear to guide his leadership. Afraid that the people might return to Jerusalem and shift their loyalty, he creates golden calves and establishes alternative places of worship.

His decision was not rooted in obedience but in insecurity.

He did not trust that God—who had given him authority—would sustain him. Instead of leading people toward faithful worship, he redirected them toward convenience and compromise.

Chapter 13 reminds us that he did not turn away from this sin. Persistent disobedience hardened his heart and led to downfall.

Fear, when not surrendered to God, can distort our decisions.

Forgetting What God Has Done

Psalm 106 echoes this theme. The people of Israel quickly forgot the wonders God had done. They made a calf at Horeb and exchanged the glory of God for an image.

How easy it is to forget God’s faithfulness when we face new challenges.

We may not build physical golden calves, but we can create modern idols:

  • Approval

  • Money

  • Security

  • Status

  • Control

Whenever we rely on something more than we rely on God, we begin to shift our worship.

“Man Shall Not Live by Bread Alone”

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus declares:

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

This is the heart of today’s message.

Jeroboam trusted political strategy.
The Israelites trusted visible idols.
But Jesus teaches us that real life comes from God’s Word.

Physical provision matters—but spiritual nourishment matters more.

The Compassion of Jesus

In Mark 8, Jesus feeds the four thousand. The crowd has followed Him for three days, hungry and weary. Instead of sending them away, He multiplies the loaves and fish.

Notice the difference between Jesus and Jeroboam:

Jeroboam created false worship out of fear of losing people.
Jesus fed the people out of compassion and trust in the Father.

Jesus not only teaches that we need more than bread—He provides both spiritual and physical nourishment.

When we follow Him faithfully, He sustains us.

A Personal Examination

These readings gently challenge us:

  • What fears are influencing my decisions?

  • Have I created “convenient alternatives” instead of full obedience?

  • Am I feeding daily on God’s Word?

  • Do I trust Jesus to provide for my needs?

We become what we feed on. If we feed only on worldly security, our faith weakens. If we feed on God’s Word, our souls grow strong.

Prayer

Lord,
Remove every idol from my heart.
Where fear has replaced trust, restore my faith.
Teach me to live not by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from You.
Feed my soul daily, and help me trust You completely.
Amen.

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