"And all ate and were filled . . ."

Saturday, August 2

Scripture

And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. (Matthew 14:20)

Reflection

The “Feeding of the Five Thousand” is the only miracle story recorded in all four Gospels. Our prophet Isaiah, our psalmist, and Jesus are all sounding the same chord: God’s desire is that all should eat and be satisfied.

Not only that: nothing is wasted, but all things left over, the “broken pieces,” are gathered up, not to be lost. I’m thinking not only of sharing bread with the hungry and also distributing the Lord’s Supper to the homebound, but also binding up the wounds of those who are “broken of heart.”

Feeding the hungry is the first and necessary step in God’s mission of Good News. Thus, feeding the hungry is a “spiritual” discipline and requirement.

 

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for your gracious provision of all our needs. Engage us in your mission of taking up what is “left over of the broken pieces.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.