Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Our first reading today is all about selfishness and blame. Adam and Eve only think about themselves. They know they have done something wrong but they look to blame their action on another. Adam blames Eve and Eve blames the serpent. They find it hard to face God.
 
In our Gospel today, Jesus acts with compassion. It is a counter to Adam and Eve’s behavior. Jesus thinks of others not himself. When Jesus realizes the people have all traveled far and have run out of food, he is concerned for their well-being. He knows he cannot send them home to eat because they do not have sufficient food for the trip home. So, what can he do? There are a lot of people and not nearly enough food. I have always believed this to be one of Jesus’ miracles, but it also reminds me of the story, “Stone Soup.”
 
As a single person, none of Jesus’ disciples has enough food to feed everyone, however when everyone adds a little something, a garnish, a bit of carrot, a potato, a drop of broth, together it ends up a flavorful meal, and enough to feed everyone.
 
The Gospel says there were seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Not nearly enough to feed the huge crowd, but they broke the bread and shared the fish. Miraculously, there were seven baskets left over – more leftover than they started with.
 
It is always tempting to hold on to what we have. What will I have if there is not enough? However, if everyone contributes to the ‘soup,’ and no one being satisfied, everyone wins. Instead of selfishly sinning, we selflessly shared, and God makes the impossible possible!
 
Have a great Saturday everyone!