July 25, 2021 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Kings 4:42-44 • Ephesians 4:1-6 • John 6:1-15
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” —John 6:9
Summer is a great time for picnics! Imagine that you and your family pack a basket with enough food and snacks for a nice lunch and you head out to a picnic grove that has a pool. When you arrive, you find that it is crowded. It’s not long before the long lines to get into the pool changing room and to use the rest rooms become a problem. You are very glad that you brought lunch because the concession stands ran out of food. Before long, people are getting irritable as they get more hungry, hot, and tired. Would you give away the food you brought, knowing that it could hardly make a difference with so many people in need? This must have been a little like the scenario in our Gospel today. Still, a little boy gave up his meager lunch and Jesus performed a miracle that fed thousands with lots left over. The next time you assume that the little you could give wouldn’t make a dent in the problem, remember that God can perform miracles!
Pray together: Keep me open to sharing whatever I have, Lord. I know that you will do the rest.
Discuss this question: Is there a local food pantry or clothing resale store to which you can donate something today?
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