From the Deacon’s Desk 07/25/2021

Dear Friends:

Some very interesting things are going on in our readings today. In our first reading from 2 Kings 42–44, we hear about a man that brought 20 barley loaves to Elisha. Elisha said to him “Give it to the people to eat,” for the Lord says,” ‘they shall eat and there shall be some left over.” After the people had eaten, there was some left over just as the Lord had promised.

In today’s Gospel story John 6:1-15, there is a large crowd following Jesus. Evening is near and Jesus asks Philip “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Philip answers that 200 days’ wages would not be enough to feed them all. Andrew says to Jesus “there is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what good are these for so many?” Jesus says “Have the people recline.” Then Jesus takes the bread and fish and distributes them to all that had gathered around him, about 10,000 people. When the meal was done there were 12 baskets left over.

These stories may be hard for us to deal with. Our practical nature just won’t allow this to happen. The important thing to remember is that God has always provided for his people and the more recent message of Jesus is it continues to be true even today. Suddenly we begin to realize so much more than loaves of bread and fish are involved. Both miracles tell us that God is with us at all times, no matter what happens. He will support us and stay with us through thick and thin. That is the promise he gives us, not only in these readings, but in our everyday life. It is the message of Jesus himself.

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim