Jesus asks Philip how they could feed the crowd that has gathered. We know that Jesus asks Philip to "test him" (John 6:6). Philip immediately answers, saying they do not have the resources to feed the crowd. I wonder if Philip felt anxious or even panicked when Jesus suggested that they buy bread. Imagine he looks out and sees the crowd in an isolated place, and he knows it would be difficult
and expensive to feed them.
In our lives, we, too, are, at times, like Philip. We get anxious and feel we need more strength than we have to face a situation or a challenge. In the face of difficulty, we, too, might feel overwhelmed and be tempted to think that we do not have the inner resources to overcome the many challenges life throws at us. We may feel we cannot forgive or reconcile; we cannot seek or offer the healing that
we know we or another need. There are times when family life is complex, and work pressures may feel unbearable. At other times, we feel a profound insecurity and wonder if we have any value - or, perhaps, resilience. There are times when we lose a loved one and wonder if we will cope. In these moments, we, like Philip, may doubt that we have the courage and perseverance to face others and what life's journey puts before us.
Prayerfully consider moments in your own life when you may have felt anxious and overwhelmed like Philip. Have you ever thought that you need more inner resources? What did you do? How did you cope? Do not judge yourself; notice what happened.
Reflections by Russell Pollitt SJ
