Something to Eat

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there 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

So many people in our country are food insecure. And many have an overabundance and regularly throw away food. Jesus was always with the have-nots, those who were physically and in all ways without enough. He healed their pain and fed them. We who have so much, often fail to see the needs of the people or turn folks away since we have little to give. We are reminded today that God has given us plenty enough and we are called to share. Rather than turn people away as the disciples did, we are to pray and trust that God is always ready with the solutions.

Abundant Creator, you made our earth verdant

giving us good food across this round globe

putting your heart of compassion in all of us

and giving us eyes to see the need around us.

We are afraid and hoard the gifts you've given

our glass is always half empty despite the fullness

we turn away from the needs of others in fear

and forget to call on you in these times of need.

Help us to open our eyes to the people around us

give us generous hearts and fearless minds

that we might offer the little we have to you

so we might share your love with a hurting world. Amen.