2 May 2014 - one thing i ask

2 May 2014 - one thing i ask

The world is hungry.  As disciples, we see the needs of the people around us as Philip does.  Like Philip, we hear Jesus asking us, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?"  Do we give up?  Look at the resources nearby.  Practically speaking, loaves and fishes aren't going to cut it.  Whether it is Zingerman's bread and sashimi grade fatty tuna or whether it is day old bread and canned tuna does not matter.  Our resources just aren't enough.  There are too many mouths.  Why does Jesus even pose this question to us?  Why do we even see it and have to respond?  Jesus can feed everyone without our help.  But he chooses to involve us.  The first step is to get beyond our natural response which tells us that the problem is impossible.

“Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough
for each of them to have a little.”

The second step is to realize that our own resources are in no way sufficient but they are necessary.

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish;
but what good are these for so many?”

The third step is to place everything in the hands of Jesus himself.

Jesus said, “Have the people recline.”
Now there was a great deal of grass in that place.
So the men reclined, about five thousand in number.
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks,
and distributed them to those who were reclining,
and also as much of the fish as they wanted.

But there is a final step which we ought not to neglect. 

When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples,
“Gather the fragments left over,
so that nothing will be wasted.”

Jesus always gives in abundance, so let's not waste anything.  Let's treasure these blessings in our hearts, learning from Mary.  Let's give the LORD thanks for all he does.  In this way we gather the LORD's abundance.  It sustains our hearts for the continuing mission.

When we try to feed the crowds on our own resources we become quickly exhausted. The Apostles do not become exhausted even when it really appears that they should. They have gathered the LORD's abundance and now no deprivation of earthly circumstance can dissuade them.

So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they had been found worthy
to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.
And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes,
they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.We have to stop looking at the waves and the storm and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  He is the only solution to the problems of the world.  He is the only answer to the longings of our hearts.

One thing I ask of the LORD
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.