Jesus feeds the 5,000 Luke 9:10-17
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I imagine I am one of the disciples who has just returned from my first missionary activity.
Jesus called us away from the crowd, leading us into the hills where we would be free to tell him all that had happened on our mission. I was so looking forward to sharing with the others.
BUT! Oh no! Someone saw us go, and they spread the word of where we are. Can’t they leave us alone just this once? But Jesus welcomed them, telling them about the Kingdom of God, and healing those who needed it.
This went on for the whole afternoon. I could tell that some of my friends were feeling frustrated, just as I was. How could we get Jesus’ attention? One of my companions decided to act. ‘Jesus, look, it’s getting late, nearly evening. And the people must be really hungry. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to send them away so they can buy food?’ (And then we can have a chance to talk to you)
‘Good idea,’ said Jesus. ‘But they don’t need to go away to have food. You give them what they need.’
‘You want us to give them food? You must be joking! We only have five bread rolls and a few small fish. And there are thousands of people here.’
Jesus told us to settle the people on the grassy ground in groups of about fifty. Meanwhile, he took the food we had on hand, blessed it and gave it to us to give to the people. He gave it away,… and gave it away, … and gave it away! I thought there were only five rolls. Where has all this bread come from? Everyone had enough to eat, including us. Then Jesus, careful as ever not to waste anything, asked us to collect what was left over, and we filled twelve baskets full.
Looking back on today, Jesus is truly amazing! He doesn’t want praise for himself. Instead, he asked us to distribute the food and collect the left-overs. He always includes us in his work.
What a blessing it is to know this wonderful Man!
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· How do I react when my plans are interrupted or overturned?
· Can I see and respond to the needs of others even when my own desires are compromised?
· Am I able to take my share of responsibility without claiming to do it all on my own?
· What do I do with the surplus in my life… of goods, of food, of time?
Prayer
Lord, help me to use the Examen prayer to pick up the pieces of my day, noticing the good and the not-so good actions, and planning to discard the negative thinking and build on the positive. Amen.