SUNDAY, July 26 8 Pentecost

Potluck dinners are the modern version of two stories in today's scriptures. People show up with a dish and an entire gathering is well-fed, no matter that no one knew how many would come, or that some would not be able to bring anything.

Once during Lent at my church, nothing but desserts appeared. Some grumbled, some were joyful. But regardless, dessert is what we ate. After that, a system was assigned for bringing certain dishes according to last name.

But I've always thought God meant us to indulge in a feast of desserts that evening. It is something most of us have longed for but never actually done.

Today's readings get our attention through our stomachs, so we can begin to understand something so much richer. That is the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love for us. Chewing on this reading, we begin to be nourished and full and satisfied.

PRAY for the Diocese of Wakefield (York, England)

Ps 14 and 2 Samuel 11:1-15 –OR–  Ps 145:10-19 and 2 Kings 4:42-44; John 6:1-21

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.