This week, I noticed the first line of the Gospel reading:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/080308.shtml
It hadn't sunken in before that as Matthew tells the story, the feeding of the 5000 happens as Jesus is grieving the death of his cousin. John the Baptist. When he hears news of John's murder he goes off by himself, but the crowds follow him.
Even in the midst of his personal loss, his heart is moved with love for those who need him. And so he reaches deep into his internal reserves of strength in order to heal and nourish those who are seeking him.
I'm going to let Jesus' actions in this passage be a model for me the next time my son cries out for me for the third time in the middle of the night. As a working mom trying to juggle a baby and a job, not to mention all the everyday chores, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and like I have nothing left to give. Jesus shows me that I can draw my strength from God to answer the calls for my energy.
AND....I know that Jesus didn't just bury his personal need to grieve for his loved one and spend time in prayer. It was this commitment to prayer that allowed him to continue serving when it must have been difficult. Jesus also models for me that I need to care for myself and fill my own well if I am to serve others.