The last time I sat down at a table with a bunch of students for a meal was back in March, on our last day of spring break in Alabama. We had spent the early part of the day painting, doing finish carpentry and cleaning in a house where we had helped on repairs from tornado damage. It was almost ready for the family to move back in nearly a year after the storm hit. We had spent the afternoon visiting Tuskegee University, the home of Booker T. Washington, the George Washington Carver Museum, and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site while hearing stories from a local historian about these amazing people and all they had faced and accomplished. After a week together working and learning, that night we cooked one last meal, and gathered around the table to enjoy the nourishment and some thoughts about the week. As the sunlight faded, we talked and laughed, retold stories of our experiences, reflected on what we had seen and heard, and once again found community together.
The story of Jesus feeding more than 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish is about so much more than a meal. Jesus was trying to get away to a deserted place by himself by boat after learning of John the Baptist’s death, but the crowds found out and followed him. There they were on the shore when he landed. Instead of irritation or anger, we hear Jesus had compassion for them and cured their sick. The day passed, and in the evening, the disciples suggested to Jesus that he send the crowd away so they could go into the villages and buy food. Jesus says, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” The disciples are certain their small supplies are not nearly enough for the great crowd, but after blessing the meal, Jesus gave the loaves and fish to the disciples to distribute . . . and there was more than enough with plenty left over. (Matthew tells the story beautifully. You can read it here.) Jesus wanted to be alone to grieve and reflect, but had compassion for the needs of the crowd. The disciples wanted to make sure the people were able to get food for the night. Jesus blessed the meal. The disciples were the ones to give the food to the people. From a tiny start, there was more than enough, with an abundance left over.
This story was the gospel reading for the first week in August, as I was hearing more details about plans for the start of the academic year later this month. Every fall, we start gathering students for events and meals together. These meals are not just a time to nourish the body (though that is awfully important for hungry days), but also a time to support and encourage the spirit, and a time to build connections and community.
This year our meals will certainly look different. There are many changes we’ll make in order to keep students safe and follow Covid-19 guidelines. No matter what those changes are, at least one thing will be the same; Jesus will be there and miracles will happen. Maybe the food itself won’t be miraculously increased, but we will see the miracles that happen when the community is together. People will talk and laugh, share their stories and their struggles, provide support and care. Connections will be built and compassion will be shared. We will be living God’s love together.
As we all prepare for the start of the semester, remember that God is with us, and will continue to bring the kind of miracles we will need for the challenges and dangers that we will face.
Peace,