So Nothing May Be Lost

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’ John 6:1-14

Most of us, in first world countries, do very little hunting and gathering, let alone preserving, canning, drying and storing. We can get what we need at the grocery store. We can have it delivered. In our recent past, as in Jesus' time, keeping food and storing it was critical for survival. We know the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, a little boy's lunch which fed thousands. We rarely think about the leftovers. Yet all leftovers were important then and are important to Jesus. We are loved so much by God, that our bodily needs and our cares are a concern. As are the needs of those outside our circle. And the Creator also cares for those who are treated like leftovers, those who are cast aside and those who society tosses away. May we be those who gather, so nothing and no one may be lost.

Gracious Creator, the source of all our food

you place us in communities of caring

you teach us to gather and feed the least

and you love the leftovers and castoffs.

We often take care of our own needs

ignoring those crying in our communities

we forget that you called us to gather fragments

and to live as servants to all peoples.

Help us, dear Lord, to be your gatherers

make us mindful of the needs of others

make us ready to get up and serve them

knowing your love is carried as we serve. Amen.