April 24

Today’s Readings: ACTS 5:34-42 PS 27:1, 4, 13-14 JN 6:1-15

Today’s Gospel contains social distancing violations and food shortages. Is that enough to hook you?

It’s the famous story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. I encourage you to read it in its entirety, but here’s the short version: a huge group of people were following Jesus. They were spread all over a huge grassy field. They were in a fairly remote spot and apparently forgot to pack a lunch in their Yeti coolers, so hunger was setting in. Jesus asks Philip where enough food could be purchased for them. Philip explains they could never afford that much food.

Andrew tells Jesus what they actually DO have: a boy who is near has five loaves of bread and two fish. I imagine Philip rolls his eyes and thinks, “Very helpful, dude.” But Jesus goes to work. He prays over it, has it handed out, and there ends up being more food left over than there was at the beginning.

Scripture scholars are very clear on the point this is not some “miracle of sharing.” It is not a story about people all holding back and suddenly being inspired to share. No. And this is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. People want so desperately to explain away every miracle in an effort to turn Jesus Christ in nothing more than Zig Ziglar or Tony Robbins.

Jesus Christ wasn’t a motivational speaker. He is the Savior of the World. He is God. And our God created matter. He can manipulate matter (you know…along with time, space, and everything else he created). He isn’t limited by anything aside from our free will – and even that was his decision.

The point is simple. Do you sometimes feel like you don’t have much to give? All he needs is all you’ve got. Give it to him. You’ll be amazed at what he can do.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy. If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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