He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
Many people might face unusual hardship this year as inflation assails our supply chain of food, fuel, and other essentials. Some people will decide with considerable sadness that they must cancel Christmas this year.
We can hope that some disappointed consumers might discover their dormant faith aroused by the Nativity of the Lord, which we also call "Christmas Day." They might even be inspired by a modest observance of Advent. Christmas means nothing without Advent, and we celebrate its arrival in our homes with quiet pleasure.
Today's readings remind us of the feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines which our gracious God places before his people. Although God's gift is absolutely essential to our existence and we cannot live without it, it is also gratuitous. That is, unearned and unmerited. We have only to show our gratitude by extending the same courtesies to others.
Fortunately, Christmas in the popular imagination is still about generosity and kindness. There is at least an awareness in The Grinch who stole Christmas and Dickens's Christmas Carol that getting stuff is neither the spirit nor the essence of Christmas.
And perhaps the admen are on to something in a twisted sort of way when they suggest you buy a little something nice for yourself!
The something nice is Christ is born for us. To receive the gift we simply open our hearts and let them overflow with gratitude. That's really all there is to it.
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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.