The bulk of today’s readings focus on God’s generosity, and the first reading closely parallels the Gospel passage. In the first reading twenty barley loaves and some grain are, through God’s generosity, enough to feed one hundred people with food to spare. In the Gospel reading, Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand people (and again there is food left over). In both readings, God’s generosity greatly exceeds the needs and expectations of the people, including the Disciples. This theme is also seen in the psalm, as we repeat the words of the psalmist “The hand of the Lord feeds us; He answers all our needs.”
Our God is indeed generous; our very lives and every blessing we’ve been given are gifts from God. As disciples of Jesus, we are also called to be generous with others. At times, it seems an overwhelming task; no matter what we give or do, it seems insignificant in the face of the enormous needs in our communities and our world. However, just as the Lord made the loaves and fish sufficient, He will make our offerings sufficient. Whatever we do or give, we should do so lovingly, not out of a sense of obligation. If we choose to donate money, do we simply write a check or do we keep the recipients in our prayers as well? If we volunteer time, do we do so because we genuinely care about the people we’re helping? We may never see or understand the significance of what we do or give, but God does, and so do the people that we touch. What seems insignificant to us, our Lord will turn into an abundance both for those we serve as well as for us.
Reflection by parishioner John Ceglarek