John 6:8-9
One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?"
A few weeks ago, we found Jesus teaching the disciples how to prepare for the Journey, to take little, because God would provide. This is proven in this week's gospel. In Sunday's reading from John Chapter 6 we find Jesus with his disciples by the water, being followed by literally thousands of people, looking for healing and hope. Jesus asks Phillip how they were going to feed the multitudes, fully knowing that Phillip would not have the answer. But Andrew and others found a boy who gave what he had to the disciples and Jesus. Human nature said that five loaves and two fish would not feed 5-thousand. But Jesus blessed the food, gave thanks and distributed it. It was so much that they collected left overs; a true miracle indeed.
So what is the point…Jesus does another miracle? It's more than what Jesus does. Anyone could have given what they had, but it was a young boy who gave all he had for the cause. He saw the need and understood. How often do we as adults, hold back on our support for causes? Do we go, "all in," or do we give just what we think will be enough? No matter how much or little we have, Jesus can do much with little. He used this opportunity to teach the people and his disciples, that if they trust in him, he will provide and then some. Jesus took the little and made more than would satisfy, so much leftovers that it filled 12 baskets. All of us have gifts and talents that we can give to the glory of God, for the people of God. We may think, "my little gift doesn't mean much." But it does, in so many ways. Your food donations to the local church pantry or St. Vincent de Paul can go a long way to feed many. When you have nothing, and someone gives you clothes, cans of food for your family to eat for a week, and transportation to work, that really means something to those less fortunate than ourselves. All of our churches get calls every week from people on the fringes, the peripheries, barely hanging on. Next time you go to church, why not bring something to give thanks and to help—a bag of food or a financial contribution to your local parish food pantry, Catholic Charities or St. Vincent de Paul will be a blessing from you to God. By doing so you are truly living the Gospel!
