Compassion

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

We are bombarded this time of year by images of needy people. Many organizations beg for us to send money so they can feed people far away. A nice gesture and yet we can miss the people in need right in front of us. They may not be holding signs and they may seem fine to us. Jesus didn't have to ask if they were hungry as he knew by looking that they were. We need only to look around at our neighbors and we can find desperate need. May we have the eyes and heart of Jesus this season and always.

Gracious Creator, who know all our needs

you made us to live in a land of plenty

you blessed us richly with good food

and yet so many are in need of a good meal.

We often say we don't know anyone hungry

we often close our eyes to the needs nearby

some have so much and throw much away

and lock themselves away from seeing need.

Help us to have the compassionate eyes of Jesus

give us loving hearts to see the needs in our midst

help us to share the abundant blessings we have

so the miracles of love might flourish here. Amen.