In a moment, Ombara, who comes from Kenya and is spending a year with us, will speak. But first, some thoughts on Sunday's Gospel: Matthew's account of the feeding of the five thousand.

Jesus withdraws by boat to a deserted place after learning of John the Baptist's death. He needs time alone, to pray and reflect. But when he arrives, a huge crowd is already waiting — his planned retreat is undone.

How do we react when our plans are frustrated? Do we turn inward and grow disappointed, or do we adapt, staying people of hope? Jesus shows us the way. We're told he "had compassion" on the crowd — literally, his heart went out to them. This isn't mere feeling; it's an emotion that becomes practical, effective action. He heals the sick, then feeds them. In this, Jesus reflects the nurturing heart of God, almost maternal, leading people into a space where they learn dependence on God for life itself.

In an age of "compassion fatigue," confronted by so much suffering, we need to rediscover this reaction of Jesus — the emotional response that allows us to adapt and then act.

When his friends want to send the hungry crowd away, having nothing to feed them, Jesus asks them to look at what they do have: five loaves and two fish. Humanly speaking, almost nothing. But Jesus takes it, blesses it, gives it out — and afterward, there is food left over.

As you prepare to return home, ask yourselves: "What is Jesus asking me to give?" Even when we feel we have almost nothing — whether material, or simply our time, our listening, our attention — if we offer that little to Jesus and step out of our busyness, we can be astonished by what we discover. That little becomes much. There is even enough left over.

This meal foreshadows the Eucharist. Is it not also an invitation to reflect on our participation in our local Church community? Even when that isn't easy, it can be the place where Jesus feeds us and gives us strength to live our Christian life each day.

Perhaps this can help us confront the questions which weigh down on us all at the moment: the questions of peace, of the care of the creation, the welcome of migrants, overcoming the barriers which lead so easily to polarisation in our societies. We move from observation to participation. If each of us can give the little that we have in these domains, we become pilgrims of hope, pilgrims of peace.

Ombara speaks:

I have taken time to reflect on the Gospel account of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Through this story, I have come to see more deeply how a personal relationship with Christ unfolds day by day. His word speaks to me in different situations, addresses my doubts and worries, and guides me throughout my life.

There have been moments when I felt that God was finished with me, when I underestimated his power by giving in to doubt and hopelessness. Yet it amazes me how he makes his presence known in countless ways, walking with me through trials and giving me confidence.

Looking back on my life, I see how Christ has fed me through his word and through other people. Because of this, I trust that even today, if I am among the crowd, his word will sustain me.

As a young person, I reflect on sustainability in life. Unemployment can feel like a mountain. Finding direction in a career, a relationship, or simply being accepted can be difficult. At times, fear and uncertainty about the future become overwhelming.

A question often comes to my mind: what about those moments when I become like the Israelites, demanding a king they could see? What about the times when I look only for quick answers, or expect God to fulfil one particular desire? I often approach him with my own expectations. Yet he gives me peace and answers my needs in ways I could never have planned.

On the day of my baptism, I believe I joined the five thousand—and the countless others who have chosen to walk with Christ. At times I may feel dissatisfied when my own desires are not fulfilled. Yet God often gives me a different answer: one that is lasting and life-giving. He invites me to look beyond my immediate needs and to discover peace and joy in him, even when sadness visits my life.