Moved by Compassion, We Multiply the Mission: August 4, 2025

Jesus recognized the need for the multitude to be fed and was moved by compassion for those who followed him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own response to the needs of others. Are we moved by compassion for those around us? Do we trust in God’s providence to meet the needs of all?

Table of Contents

Moved by Compassion, We Multiply the Mission

“You give them something to eat.”
— Matthew 14:16

Saint John Mary Vianney [M]

Brothers and sisters: In this general chapter, we gather to reflect on our mission and our life as preachers. The Gospel of Matthew (Mt. 14:13-21) offers us a rich source of inspiration for our reflection and prayer on this day.

Today we commemorate Saint John Mary Vianney, also known as the Curé of Ars, a model of a humble priest dedicated to the service of God and his love for the poor. His life shows us the importance of prayer, penance, and mercy in the priestly ministry. Patron of parish priests, a happy day to all the brothers who dedicate themselves to accompanying parish life and mission.

The Gospel we proclaim today tells us that Jesus withdrew to a solitary place after receiving the news of the death of John the Baptist. However, the crowd followed him, and he took pity on them. Jesus saw the need of the crowd and decided to act. With the five loaves and two fish, he fed the crowd, demonstrating his power and compassion.

Compassion and Mission: Jesus recognized the need for the multitude to be fed and was moved by compassion for those who followed him. This passage invites us to reflect on our own response to the needs of others. Are we moved by compassion for those around us? Do we trust in God’s providence to meet the needs of all? We love to present our Father, Saint Dominic, as a compassionate man who knew how to respond creatively to the needs of the poor of his time, even depriving himself of his own possessions.

As Dominicans, we are called to follow Jesus’ example. We must be compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. Our mission is not limited only to preaching the word of God, but also to care for, accompany, “embrace life as it comes,” comfort, and attend to people in their needs.

In our daily lives, we must look for opportunities to show compassion and care for others. We must be aware of the needs of our brothers and sisters and act to meet them.

The Multiplication of Resources: The Gospel shows us how Jesus multiplies the five loaves and two fish to feed the multitude. This reminds us that God can do great things with small resources. As Dominicans, we must trust in God’s providence and not fear scarcity or the diminishing number of people.

We must be creative and find ways to multiply our resources to serve others. Our poverty and simplicity should not be obstacles to our mission, but rather opportunities to trust in God and be more generous. This General Chapter has been a space to share reflections, searches, experiences, intuitions, and insights. We are witnesses to how these resources multiply, enriching ideas, and how what we experienced and shared will be recorded in the minutes.

The Importance of Community: In the Gospel, Jesus and his disciples are together, and Jesus asks them to feed the multitude. This reminds us of the importance of community in our life and mission. As Dominicans, we are called to care for the quality of life in the community and to work together to fulfill our mission.

We must support one another—this is the great challenge we face—and share our resources and abilities to serve others. Our communities must be a sign of God’s presence in the world, “holy preaching,” and a place where others can find refuge and hope.

Dear brothers and sisters, in this general chapter, we gather to reflect on our mission and our life as preachers. The Gospel offers us a rich source of inspiration and motivation. We must be compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others, trust in God’s providence, and multiply our resources to improve the quality of our service to others. We must live in community and support one another to fulfill our mission, building the kingdom of God.

May the example of Jesus, the Curé of Ars, and Saint Dominic inspire us to be more compassionate and generous with others, trusting that God can do much with little. May Our Lady of the Rosary, our mother and model, accompany us on our journey. May the Holy Spirit guide us and give us the strength to fulfill our mission. Amen.

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