Seven Baskets Full

 

After Jesus had left that place, he passed along the Sea of Galilee, and he went up the mountain, where he sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the mute, and many others. They put them at his feet, and he cured them, so that the crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." The disciples said to him, "Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?" Jesus asked them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan. Matthew 15:29-39

 

Seven Baskets Full

 

We were worn and weary inspired

by all we had seen and heard

ready to go home healed and stronger

facing the struggle down these mountains.

 

In our foolishness we didn't plan

swept up by the presence of him

we left all our worries behind

now the journey compounded by hunger.

 

Already we have received full measure

a sick little boy restored to health

love touched us in so many ways

we have only to make the long journey home.

 

We stayed for we heard there might be food

then shocked by the groaning baskets passed

we ate our fill sitting in the shade

marveling at God's love for the least of us.

 

Gathered up as we left, with our pockets full

seven baskets full for those who might need

Abundance and compassion the gifts we received

and we will never be the same forever.