[The disciples said] “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he [Jesus] said, “Bring them here to me.”… he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled… about five thousand men, besides women and children.
~Matthew 14:17-19
The feeding of the 5000 in Matthew invites the Jewish people and us to reflect on a time when there was little food, and many to feed. Jews would recall their ancestors wandering in the desert for 40 years after being enslaved in Egypt. In reality, most of us today are more like the privileged Egyptians with no need to worry about where the next meal might come from and when it might be available.
Yesterday, a member from Saint Peter encountered a wanderer at the church office who said, “Do you have any food? I haven’t eaten in a while and am really, really hungry.” As you know, the church is a place for help, but we don’t normally have warm food ready to give away on a Tuesday afternoon, hours after lunchtime. In fact, when we give away food, we primarily funnel our efforts through the SOIICF Food Pantry and refer people there. Yet somehow, the guest needing help from above found a warm meal, a box of food, and additional resources at Saint Peter. God multiplies more than just bread and fish around here.
Thank you to the silent angles who have given boxes of food for Saint Peter to use in case of emergency. And thank you to those who give their lunch when someone needs a sign from God that the church cares about them and their needs.
-Pastor Jason
