Sunday, August 2, 2026
Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus had compassion for them, the Gospel says. How often, when we are moved by compassion, do we find we have more than we thought? More strength, more capacity and more so that all are fed. We often marvel at these miracles of Jesus and fail to see the incredible miracles in our lives. We suspect the disciples might have raided a child's lunch and that generosity led to a feast. Can our generosity and compassion lead to miracles? I truly believe so. When each of us contributes a little, there is often plenty left over. May we be miracle workers in someone's life this week.
Gracious Creator, we carry your heart within us
and you make us miracle workers in every season.
Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.
Too many are starving and without safe, warm shelter
you call us to see them and have compassion for them.
Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.
Your compassion within us strengthens our capacity
and you give us enough so that everyone may be fed.
Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.
We often think we do not have enough and hoard food
yet you are the author of the feast and make every good gift.
Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.
We are nothing without the compassion of those who teach us
and through them we carry on your way of love and healing.
Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all.
Make us your miracle workers again, dear Lord Jesus
so the suffering might know your love and compassion here.
Lord Jesus, turn our small offerings today into a great feast for all. Amen.
