Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Growing up (and now) whenever my extended family gets together, there is always a lot of food. Even when a guest visits our home, my mom provides more than enough snacks and food for us to eat. Nowadays, the Sisters and I sometimes invite guests over for dinner. If I’m cooking, I usually wonder whether or not there is enough food for everyone. In today’s Gospel, the disciples asked this question too. Jesus seemed unconcerned, confident that the little they have will feed everyone. In the end, everyone ate until they were satisfied and there was food left over.
This Gospel reading reminds me of the meals I had with others and feeding ministries I volunteered at. However, perhaps there is a bigger lesson with this story. How many times have we felt that we don’t have enough to give? Sometimes, I doubt whether or not I have enough time, energy, or knowledge when I am asked to do something or be a part of a group or committee that plans, organizes, and/or leads. For instance, years ago, when I started a young adult ministry in the parish I was a part of, I doubted if I had enough skills to run it. Turns out my organizational, administrative, and design skills were very useful and filled the gap of skills the other ministry leaders did not have. This ministry led many young adults to return to their faith and much more than I imagined. Jesus feeding the four thousand reminds me that God will always provide enough resources as long as we are willing to say yes to what God asks us to do. Like the disciples, let us be surprised and in awe of what God can do.
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI