Feed the Nation

John 6:12-14 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!”


In the gospel selection for today we have one John's version of the feeding of the five thousand. Most of us know the story. In this one a young boy has five barley loaves and three fish which become enough to feed the masses with the spectacular left overs. It is obvious that the twelve baskets full is no accident. Those listening to him teach that were Jews and the twelve baskets full were clearly representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesu in this sign was saying he could feed the whole nation.


God has no difficulty providing enough. More often the question is are we willing to take the enough that God provides and share it like the young boy with the five barley loaves and three fish. I don't know how many times people have arrived at my house shortly before we are to sit down to eat. Often another place or two was set and the meal intended for us was just us proved more than adequate for the additional guests as well. God just seems to multiply the food like the loaves and fishes.


I am fascinated by the show Hoarders. I don't watch it because it often is depressing and upsetting, but I think it is an exaggerated picture of the typical human attitude. Instead of be grateful for enough, we act like there is never enough. Sometimes I think we make God cry.