Listen

When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. That evening his disciples came and said to him, “This is an isolated place and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said to them, “There’s no need to send them away. You give them something to eat.”

Matthew 14:13-16

Think

More than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure. (statistic from Feeding America) That’s a huge number, and trying to help that many people feels impossible. The disciples know the huge crowd around them needs food. Trying to help that many people feels impossible. They decide the best solution is to send the people away — let them figure it out for themselves. Jesus says, “There’s no need to send them away. You give them something to eat.” This is NOT how the disciples thought this conversation would go!

The disciples are concerned about the lack of food, but they don’t seem to want to get involved. Or maybe they feel powerless. There are only a few of them, while there are thousands of hungry people around them. Jesus calls them to compassion: to show mercy and care to others. Everyone we meet is God’s beloved child. We all need love, mercy, and help. May we share the love God has given us with those around us.

Laura Edgar

Question to Ponder:

How does God call us to care for others?

Pray

God, the needs around me feel enormous.

Thank you for loving me and all people.

Teach me compassion that leads to action.

Amen.

Go

Each of us and all of us are held in God’s abundant mercy and constant care.