WEDNESDAY, October 13

Luke 9:1-17. All ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

In this grassy, lonely place the crowds have assembled to hear Jesus speak. They are without food. With five loaves and two fish Jesus feeds them all.

It may sound silly to say that one finds some miracles easier to understand than others; once we have allowed that the miraculous can occur, then it is hardly for us to pick and choose the ones we prefer.

But I find this miracle harder to make sense of than ones that concern physical and mental healing. Mind and body are so intimately connected that it is not difficult to believe that contact with a whole person, such as Jesus, might have a profoundly creative effect upon the sick. But this miracle suggests that God is as present in the atoms that make up bread or a fish as God is part of the matter and the spirit of a person who believes in him.

Every bit of created matter is within God’s disposal. And as one might guess from the way the world has been ordered, God is no ascetic. God does not send the crowds fasting to their homes, but gives generously, even extravagantly. There is food left over. Joy in food, and the goodness of the body which lives upon it, seem inextricably a part of the best Christian tradition. That is why giving thanks is so important. (1976)

PRAY for the Diocese of Ikwerre (Province of Niger Delta, Nigeria)

Ps 119:1-24 * 12, 13, 14; Jonah 1:17—2:10; Acts 27:9-26

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

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (6) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

...

Oct 13, 2010 at 6:45 am

Written by Andrea,

Another way to understand the miracle of the loaves and fishes is that, by sharing the little he had, Jesus created a moment in which people shared what little they had. Especially for people living near the edge of starvation in first century Palestine, this would be no less a miracle than physically multiplying the loaves and fishes. If those who had brought a little barley cake or a few dried fish were suddenly empowered to share out of their abundance, rather than guard what they had out of a sense of fear and uncertainty, that would be a profound transformation. It still is today.

A Miracle for today

Oct 13, 2010 at 8:31 am

Written by Norman,

I like this miracle and have often thought that, like Andrea, people were moved to share what they had with those who had less. Also, like Andrea, I believe that this is a miracle that can be duplicated today. People need to see what is possible.

The prayer Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 6.9 and Luke 11.2

Oct 13, 2010 at 9:19 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

The Lord's prayer in both Gospels includes food and is followed by lessons and references about food, selfishness, and sharing.

The lesson that I receive from these chapters is that God will take care of me, and forgive me; but, that I also am to take care of others and forgive others.

...

Oct 13, 2010 at 10:38 am

Written by Tom Pritchard,

Some theologians have converged on the very point that Andrea offers and with which Norman concurs. It certainly makes as much if not more sense than that which is implied. If this deity, that we profess to have faith in, is so benificent, why do so many in our world starve, have no access to potable water, and get killed by "natural disasters" a.k.a. "acts of God" (in insurancespeak)? Why does this deity allow for hatred and prejudice? Why does this deity seem to stand by while genocide and other "cides" continue to plague our species?

...

Oct 13, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Written by RSeguin,

This miracle shows me that by giving we all receive. Recently, our public current social policies and attitudes seem to run counter this. By nourishing each each, we are completely whole. Jesus is showing to us the importance of giving to one another.

...

Oct 13, 2010 at 10:27 pm

Written by Tres,

Great thoughts here. I don't know the answers to Tom's questions but maybe someday God will reveal to us.

Also just wanted to say the new site looks GREAT!

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

A Meditation for Pentecost

New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!

185662_201033913247091_122364231114060_862947_1284717_n Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.

Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!

Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!

Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

May, 2012 April, 2012 March, 2012 February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation