Ordinary Time

Pause

Stop for a moment. Lift your eyes. Become aware of the needs around you.

Who are your neighbors? How might you share your life with them this week?

Listen

They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish.”

He said, “Bring them here to me.” He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds.

Matthew 14:17-19

Think

Sometimes what we have to give just doesn’t seem to be enough. Other people have more money, more resources, more… fill-in-the-blank. However, it’s clear here that what we have to offer is enough.

Like the disciples and the young boy who brought forward the two fish and the five loaves, we can offer the little bit that we have to our neighbors. Thankfully, we serve a God who is not limited by our own resources and talents. When we come together and bring what we have to offer to the table, we can also trust Jesus to multiply our offerings of time, talent, and resources to meet needs and to surpass our expectations.

What are the needs around you today? What can you bring to the table to help meet those needs?

Mary Katherine Johnson

Pray

Loving God, thank you for your many blessings. Help me to remember that you call each of us to give and to serve. Help me be aware of the gifts and resources that I can bring to the table to help the people around me. Amen.

Go

Go today with your eyes wide open and a new awareness to the needs of others around you.

Look for ways to Be With your neighbors today… even if not face to face.

And the wisdom and strength of Christ, who is With You always, be your guide.