All ate and were filled – May 8

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 75, 76; PM Psalm 23, 27; Wisdom 19:1-8,18-22; Rom. 15:1-13; Luke 9:1-17

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. (Luke 9:16-17)

In Luke 9, we read of the feeding of the five thousand – found in one version or another in each of the books of the gospels. It is a familiar story to many, and as you may recall, it is referred to in this way because the crowd gathered is described as containing about five thousand men (Greek: andres, male human being). Jesus tells his core group of students – the disciples – to have the crowd sit down, as they would prepare to enjoy a meal, in groups of about fifty. Jesus then takes the breads and fish, blesses, breaks, and gives them to the disciples to hand out. And all were satisfied.

Mathematically speaking, if there were only fifty in each “pod”, there would be 100 clusters of men. Sociologically speaking, the odds of five thousand men gathering on a day without others from their households – women and children – sounds implausible. Surely dads would not go off and leave their daughters alone at home as the sun was setting, either in the ancient Near East or modern day suburban Vestavia Hills. Other accounts in the Bible depict throngs of people, women and men alike, pressing in on Jesus as he walks through the streets, heals the afflicted, and teaches those hungry for wisdom and comfort. If there were 5,000 men present, then the total head count of folks milling about on that holy day when Jesus fed the crowd was much larger.

Can you imagine, though, gathering to share a picnic meal with forty-nine other people right now? After more than a year of sheltering in place, this idea is simultaneously thrilling and overwhelming. Introverts may be thinking, “Oh, please…can we just eat so that no one will ask me a question I am not prepared to answer?” Extroverts may be thinking, “I cannot WAIT to talk with people and ask questions and share stories and see people…”

Indulge me and continue with the imagination exercise for a moment more: in that group of forty-nine(ish) other people in a small group, who do you see in your mind’s eye? Do you see familiar faces? Are your own family members there? Neighbors, peers, kids, older folks, people who look like you, people who differ from you. Who is missing? Who would you bring along, so that they would not miss out on this miraculous experience? Imagine what roles would you take during the gathering: help to pass out food…make space for a latecomer to join…pick up leftovers…introduce yourself to a new person…and so forth.

Now, come back to the present. Think about gathering for Sunday worship, whether in the Nave, outside in the parking lot, or on your digital device to watch the livestream. Prepare your heart and your eyes to gather in that same mindset of community and togetherness, bounty and fulfillment, healing and unity. It feels sacramental. It is sacramental. Invite someone to join you in this experience of the mystery and generosity of the Good News.

See you at church,

Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What are you spiritually yearning for today? Who around you is still hungry?

Daily Challenge

Think about the twelve baskets left over from Jesus’ feeding miracle in Luke 9. All that is left is still holy…imagine taking a little “to go” napkin to share with someone who was not there. Pray about how the miracle of the loaves and fishes might multiply and deepen your faith today. Then, think about someone who is homebound and cannot gather with Saint Stephen’s for worship. Call that person on the phone or arrange a visit with them.