Loaves and Fishes

“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. Mark 6:38-41

We were recently at a brand new grocery store buying snacks for an event at the church. It was sparkling clean with wonderful sales prices promoting their grand opening. Since we are new to the area, we didn't come across anyone we knew, but it had a familiar feeling, and was comfortable to shop. The aisle were wide and everything was well-marked. I have been leading a Lenten teaching series on liturgy and the prayer book. We have had an inter generational gatherings and everyone seems happy learning together. I try to make it fun and make sure their are snacks at the end. So, as we were collecting the items from the list, I said out loud, a few times, "is this going to be enough?" Finally it dawned on me. There will be enough because even if we eat it all they all have food at home and live nearby. We often worry when we have plenty, more out of pride than out of need.

The people who came to hear Jesus had come along way, and would faint on the way home. The came to Jesus out of need. Their enthusiasm had swept them away and they had not brought provisions along. Maybe they assume they would look at the guy, laugh and head home. Maybe they had nothing to bring with them in the first place. Maybe they thought someone else in their family had packed the food. For whatever reason they were there and starving. Their need was great and God's response was immediate. What was eaten and then collected was enough to feed many, many more. God is abundant and Jesus did not reprimand the people for being poor, in need, and poor planners. They were fed. God's activity is always to bring fullness and light to hungry people trapped in the dark.

Today, I want to trust God more than I did yesterday. I want to live, worrying less about whether there will be enough, and more expecting God's loving abundance. God has always found us enough, plenty and a multitude as needed. May we all step a little closer to trusting God today. Small steps on a great journey of love and light.