In ordinary time the readings for the day are done as a “continuous reading,” chapter by chapter. During Advent (and Lent) the reading of the day is more thematic — the first and second readings comment on each other. Today the connecting word is “mountain.” In Isaiah we read: On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples. The story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish “on the mountain by the Sea of Galilee” shows the fulfillment of that prophecy in Jesus. The only mountain we have in Chicago is a mountain of troubles but the solution is the same. Our little bit of compassion, kindness, generosity might not seem like much but God can multiply it to feed a multitude.
