All Were Filled

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 

Emegahbowh (He that prays for his people while standing) is the first Native American (Ojibwe) to be ordained a priest (1867). Today is his feast day as he walked over at the age of 95 on June 12th in 1902. In his lifetime he saw he people rounded up and put on reservations, treated with abuse and indignities of all sorts. He ministered among them, caring for them and advocating for their safety and respect. He is a reminder for us all that we have work to do if we follow Jesus. The care and feeding of our people is paramount, and Emmegahbowh's life and ministry show us the way yo follow Jesus.

Jesus has been teaching and healing among the people who have gathered in a desolate place. He knows that they need to be fed before they can make the journey home. The words of faith and hope will take root when people are fed and cared for. He shows the disciples how it is done, that from a little can come very much. Every single person gathered remembered that moment forever, and their hearts and lives were transformed by that love made visible.

Today, I ask God to help me make love visible in real and concrete ways today. May we match our words with actions and service, and may we like Emmegahbowh, stand and pray for our people as we serve their needs with love.