This Week’s Torah Portion

This week’s Torah portion, Sh’lach, recounts the story of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout out the Promised Land. Despite witnessing God’s miracles, ten spies spread fear, leading to doubt and disobedience among the Israelites. In contrast, Joshua and Caleb maintain faith in God’s promises, emphasizing the importance of trust and courage in facing challenges.

The Haftarah portion from the book of Joshua follows the theme of faith and courage, as Rahab, a Canaanite woman, demonstrates her trust in the God of Israel by helping the Israelite spies. Her actions show that faith transcends nationality and background, highlighting the inclusivity of God’s redemptive plan. In the Catholic Gospel reading, Jesus feeds the crowd with five loaves and two fish, showcasing God’s abundance and provision. This miracle echoes the theme of trusting in God’s provision and power, reminding us to have faith even in times of scarcity or uncertainty.