Saints Cyril and Methodius
Gospel: Mark 8:1-10
The Miracle of Jesus Feeding the Multitude Again

Today, the Church celebrates the feast day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two venerable figures. Originally named Constantine and Michael, respectively, Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers and Byzantine Christian theologians and missionaries. Due to their missionary work among the Slavic peoples, they are also known as the Apostles of the Slavs.

They are credited with devising the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic. After their deaths, their pupils continued their missionary work among other Slavs. Both brothers are venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church as saints with the title of “equal-to-apostles”. In 1880, Pope Leo XIII introduced their feast into the calendar of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. In 1980, the first Slav pope, Pope John Paul II declared them co-patron saints of Europe, together with Benedict of Nursia.

Today’s scripture from the Gospel of St. Mark details the miracle of Jesus multiplying the loaves of bread again. The disciples who journeyed with Jesus did not follow Jesus’ teaching to constantly attend to those who were hungry but instead pursued their own interests. Jesus took this opportunity to once again demonstrate the miracle of multiplying the loaves of bread.

Often, like those disciples, we focus solely on ourselves, neglecting those living in poverty. In our eyes, as long as our own lives are happy and fulfilling, that is sufficient. As for them, whether they live or die, it seems to have no relation to us. Consequently, like the disciples who follow Christ today, we only care about following Christ, while belittling our brothers and sisters who, like us, are also following Christ.

Today, Jesus once again multiplies the loaves for His disciples and the crowds who follow Him, so that we may live out the spirit of the Gospel in our daily lives, moment by moment. Today, those who follow Christ are following Jesus’ command to distribute the blessed bread and fish, just as those who follow Christ today do. May everyone join us in hearing the holy Word of God and, through the celebration of the Eucharist in its fullness, receiving the holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, to receive all the graces bestowed by God according to His holy will.

O God, who enlightened the Slavic peoples through the brothers Saints Cyril and Methodius, grant that our hearts may grasp the words of your teaching, and perfect us as a people of one accord in true faith and right confession. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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