his disciples approached him and said,
“This is a deserted place and it is already very late.
Dismiss them so that they can go
to the surrounding farms and villages
and buy themselves something to eat.”
He said to them in reply,
“Give them some food yourselves.”
Politics is life, so they say; and it's hard not to read a political message into Jesus' reply to his disciples. They were being perfectly reasonable as they considered the crowd, its situation in the wilderness, and their own resources. They don't have enough but nearby villages might have excess in their winter supplies and enough to provide for a crowd who, for no apparent reason, suddenly turn up in their streets hungry. They would certainly charge high rates, because they'd have to replenish their stores from larger and distant cities.
Many Americans are familiar with exorbitant prices during crises; and, during the endless crisis of poverty, in "food deserts." Like faith, poverty is a way of life for many.
The Lord's, “Give them some food yourselves” seems impossible and unreasonable. As the virgins said in another context: " ‘There may not be enough for us and you."
With five words Jesus describes the impossible faith that guides his people all over the world. They don't have enough and yet they share with others. They make do with one salary and feed, clothe, shelter, and raise a very large family. They give to strangers who, perhaps, might be able to provide for themselves but probably can't. They take risks because they know they'll survive disappointment, setbacks, and losses. They go on pilgrimages; they go to mission lands. Sometimes, like Saint Anthony of Lisbon whom we know as Saint Anthony of Padua, they never return home. "It's okay; God will provide."
They do the unimaginable because, with love the unimaginable becomes possible; and without love, the easiest tasks are impossible.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.