An ambassador from a poor country had an opportunity to travel to New York City. While in New York, this foreign diplomat was given the "red carpet treatment." After a two-week stay, the ambassador was escorted to the plane. As the diplomat boarded, a reporter asked, "During your stay in New York, what was it that impressed you the most?" Smiling at the reporter, the diplomat said, "I was impressed with your trash cans!" Confused, the interviewer asked why. The ambassador said, "Because with all the food you toss out, I can feed my people with it a long time!"
As Jesus feeds the 5,000, we are reminded of our call to share our resources with others. Realizing this, we should be aware not only of what we use but, more importantly, the things we waste. With Jesus, nothing should go to waste. Instead, it should be given to those in need!
In our first reading from the 2nd Book of Kings, Elisha shows us the importance of showing compassion, particularly to those in need. During the time of Elisha, the poor were allowed to pay their debts by selling themselves or their children as slaves. Many of the poor in Third World countries today continue to sell their children to adoption agencies in order that other members in their families may live.
Through God, Elisha orders rich people and creditors not to take advantage of these people, especially during their time of extreme need.
In this chapter of 2 Kings, we see four miracles that God works through Elisha. In this miracle, the last of four, God provides food for 100 men. These miracles shows the love, concern and care for those who are faithful to the word of God.
Showing compassion is something that God expects of all of us. If we do what we can, God will bless us as well as those we help.
St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, challenges the Church's believers to function as a living body of Christ. Paul's vision is that believers grow together as the Body of Christ. Unity does not simply happen; we have to work at it. As believers, how are we achieving this goal in our lives?
We are God's chosen people through Christ. We are his representatives in this world! Paul calls us to be worthy of this call by being humble, gentle, patient, and understanding. Can people see Christ in us in how we respond to others?
No matter what our gifts are from God, big or small, we are to use them to build the community of Christ in service to others.
In the Gospel for today we see the offering of a young child, offered to Jesus in service to others, to become one of the most incredible miracles! Regardless of who we are or what little we have, we should never think that we have nothing to give.
If we ask the Lord, we shall receive and, in many ways, this will be in abundance. We should be more conscious of this the next time we have anything left over, for example: food, clothing, appliances, furnishings, anything that we may no longer need or want.Instead of throwing things out, we should be ever mindful of the poor and needy who could use them. Jesus teaches us in the use of leftovers. Be aware that the item you might discard in your trash cans can be the one thing that could, by your kindness and thoughtfulness, bring another person closer to God.
Despite the feeding of 5,000 people as well as gathering all the fragments, the fact remains that our Lord not only fed them, but he also continues to feed us in a more marvelous way in the Eucharist.
As a community united in the Spirit, may we become more aware of the Lord who saves us. May we recognize how the Eucharistic presence makes us more aware of our Lord and strengthens our commitment to serve God by helping others, particularly those in need.
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