Providing

The Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, asking him for a sign from heaven, to test him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” And he left them, and getting into the boat again, he went across to the other side. 

 Now the disciples had forgotten to bring any bread; and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out—beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They said to one another, “It is because we have no bread.” And becoming aware of it, Jesus said to them, “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes, and fail to see? Do you have ears, and fail to hear? And do you not remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” They said to him, “Twelve.” “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you collect?” And they said to him, “Seven.” Then he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” Mark 8:11-21

Loving Creator source of abundance

you made enough for all to share

blessing us with countless bounties

and feeding us with all that we might need.

We are always anxious about having enough

fearing there a time when provisions are low

we greedily hoard the plenty that you give

living with no faith in you as provider.

By our greed we keep others from your gifts

protecting personal rights we endanger others

trusting in ourselves alone and living selfishly

we have made a world of shortage and dangers.

Help us Lord today to be ever grateful to you

and in our gratitude let us share your gifts

help us trust and depend on your completely

so the world might be fed knowing your love. Amen.