Jesus heard some very bad news and went away by boat to be by himself. John the Baptist (who shared Jesus’ mission of sharing the good news of God and inviting people into a new understanding of God and themselves) had been executed for standing up to those in power. Surely Jesus is grieving, but he is also probably questioning the wisdom of his work. Pushing back against the religious and political leadership of the day was dangerous, and could clearly lead to a violent end. Perhaps he is thinking of stopping this ministry.
The crowds learn where Jesus has gone and they are there when he arrives on shore in the deserted place. Jesus could have any number of emotions at finding a crowd where he expected solitude: frustration, disappointment, irritation or even anger. We read that he had compassion for them. Maybe Jesus was considering stepping away from teaching and preaching, healing and performing miracles, sharing the good news of God in dangerous times. In compassion, he continues nevertheless. He cures their illnesses. As the evening comes, he and the disciples feed a tremendous crowd with just five loaves and two fish. Everyone eats their fill and there are twelve baskets leftover. A story that begins with fear closes with abundance.
This tremendous and famous miracle points to everyday miracles. Where are the times in our lives that we believe we have only a little bit and somehow, there is more than enough? I can recall many times when I had only a little time or energy or resources and somehow, I found what was necessary to accomplish or deal with what lay before me. The grace and presence of God moves in our lives in surprising ways – filling absence with abundance. God uses all sorts of people in our lives and transforms a shortage into plenty. God uses us to do the same in the lives of others. In compassion, God cares for us lavishly even when it seems there is not enough.
As we gather at the communion table, sharing a bit of bread and wine, we find grace and forgiveness, community and new life. We are reminded of the last dinner Jesus shared with his disciples and of this amazing miracle . . . and also the countless times God has made very little into an abundance in our own lives.
May we all find abundance in these waning days of summer.
Peace,