Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Abundance in the Wilderness

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. Mark 6:30-44

Abundance in the Wilderness

At first I could not see it
could not comprehend how edible
and delectable, sweet and filling
and we would never hunger again.

Coming to this wilderness fear surrounded
seeing only peculiar difference and lack
absorbed in foraging and wandering
we cried out in want and pain.

The rivers run thick salmon
river banks chocked with ripe berries
the water roiling with life
we almost missed the blessing.

The clouds remind us of the cold winter rains
when we huddle together for warmth
deep in darkness but lacking nothing
for we have been filled again.

We see the lack first and learn to pray
crying out as small children from our bellies
love responds with abundance and beauty
and we learn gratitude and music again.

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