Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.
Sometimes it’s difficult for us to put aside our worries and rest. Think of how anxious the disciples felt as the crowd gathered round and Jesus asked them, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Phillip and Andrew express their worries by pointing out they don’t have enough money to purchase what they need to feed so many and what little they have is no good for so many. How many times in our lives do we make excuses when it comes to helping others? Perhaps we do not have enough money, time, or resources. Or maybe we don’t think we have enough to offer to make a real difference. However, when faced with the disciples’ lack of money or resources Jesus does not send the crowd home. Instead, he has them recline, blesses the bread and fish, and distributed what little he had. Jesus does not ask us to give out of our excess, nor does he ask us to give out of our lack. He wants us to give everything we can to him and to his children confident that it is in the giving that we do his will and not necessarily in the outcome. In this gospel, the people are all feed and there is much left over, but without the sacrifice of the little boy with the bread and fish, the miracle could not have occurred. Jesus asks us to follow the boy’s example and give whatever we can to him so that he can bless and multiply it a thousand fold.
What worries keep us from giving ourselves to God and his children? When faced with our own lacks, do we worry or do we recline with God and trust in His Providence? What sacrifices can we make—great or small—for the glory of God and help of his children?
O Lord, inspire us to give you all that we have so that you can multiply it according to your own Divine Will.
Amen.
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