Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 21 June 2022

Published: Tue, 06/21/22

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

“You give them something to eat” (Luke 9:13)
Luke 9:11-17

“You give them something to eat”. How was this even possible when all that was available was 5 loaves and 2 fish and there were more than five thousand people? Jesus performed this miracle by using the little that was available and multiplied it, made it enough. Perhaps we can look at this as a challenge to the disciples and as preparation for their ministry, a challenge valid for us today too. “You give them something to eat” could also read “Feed my people”. In the report of this miracle we know that God fed the masses through Jesus and his partners, the disciples. Not only did Jesus give food, he gave spiritual nourishment too. The disciples were obedient and so should we be. We are called to provide food, clothing, shelter and healthcare to those who need it just as we are called to nourish them spiritually with God’s word and love.

Jesus took what little the crowd were willing to offer. Some say that there were people who may have been selfish, not wanting to share what they had. When they witnessed the miracle, they became generous and happy to share rather than being greedy and suspicious. So perhaps more than one miracle was performed that day?

The word of God and a relationship with him feeds our soul, brings spiritual nourishment and transforms our life. We are fed by God’s word daily, we receive from God daily and God performs miracles in our life daily. God takes what we give him, no matter how big or small and multiplies our blessings a thousand times over.

Today, think about what it is that you give God and he gives in return. Which of these gifts that he gives can you put to good use today, in his name, in his service?

Who can “You give (them) something to eat”?

Dear Lord,
You are an ever-loving and constantly-giving God.
You continue to perform miracles in our life, yet we are not

open to seeing them. Thank you for taking what little I offer

and multiplying it, transforming it into what you need

to bless me and to bless others. Lord transform me

in the same way, that I may a blessing to you, that I

may be of service to you and I may feed others with your love.

Amen.

Reflection prepared by Gillian Hugo