Today’s gospel, John’s account of the feeding of the five thousand, is both beautiful & challenging. I’m touched by Jesus’ concern for the most basic needs of the crowds who have followed him. As he sits down with his disciples he doesn’t turn the crowds away hungry. Instead he challenges his disciples to find a way of feeding them, saying to them:
“Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?”
John moves us past this question quite swiftly, assuring us that Jesus already knows exactly what he’s planning to do. Generally, I’ve followed John’s lead skipping over the question and focusing my reflection on the miracle and its spiritual significance.
But I find the harsh reality of life today has made me rethink that and I’m taking Jesus’ question at face value. I’m struck by his concern and by the way he involved the disciples in his miracle. He didn’t just work the miracle by himself as he could so easily have done. Instead he took what little food they had to offer and used that as the basis for meeting the needs of the huge crowd.
When so many people are struggling to meet their basic needs, to feed and clothe their children Jesus is posing the same question to us as he did to the disciples. However impossible it might feel he is inviting and challenging us to find ways of sharing what we have in ways that are equitable and respectful.
What is the risen Christ challenging you share what you have today?