August 3, 2008

"In true love, the smallest distance is too great, and the greatest distance can be bridged." -- Henri Nouwen

This story of the feeding of the crowd appears six times among the four gospels. The stories vary a little, but the meaning is the same. It has a Eucharistic theme in that it foreshadows Jesus feeding the disciples at the Last Supper and commissioning them to go and feed others. In Matthew's story, Jesus tells the apostles to "give them something to eat yourselves." When they say they have only 5 loaves and 2 fish, Jesus takes what they offer and multiplies it. This is a message for us too.

Fr. Henri Nouwen, a spiritual master, called this gospel a story about the value of small things. He said, "If we allow it, God will take the small things, like the little love we have, the little knowledge we have, the little advice we have, the little possessions we have, and multiply them. The more we give them away, the more we discover how much there is to give, not because of ourselves but because of God." (Jesus, A Gospel, Orbis Books, 2001)

Our Social Concerns ministry is an example of our giving to help others. I've heard stories from many of you who help in your own way. Some are ordering the food from Angel Food Ministries to give to a relative or neighbor. Our parish has always been generous in answering a need. Whatever you do, know that God accepts your gifts and will multiply them.