Feeding One Another

In the gospel last Sunday, Jesus has just instructed a huge crowd and they are hungry. The apostles want to send them away to eat, but Jesus tells the apostles to feed the multitude themselves. Now there were 5,000 men, not counting women or children, and they had only one loaf of bread and two fish. Yet when they fed all the people, there were 12 basketfuls left over.

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In breaking open the Word, one priest told his listeners to imagine that when the young boy brought his loaf of bread and fish to the apostles, other people who had brought a little food began sharing theirs until all were satisfied. It's still an amazing story. It's still a miracle. It exemplifies that Jesus can inspire people to give of themselves for others. (I'm still a little disturbed about the "not counting women and children," but that was another culture, another time.) 

It made me think of how we can nourish one another today. We can offer a smile each time we meet another person. We can share stories of our ministries, our interests, books we have read, places we have visited. We also can make people laugh with a joke or a  funny anecdote. We can share our gifts: playing the violin or organ, making clever bags or wooly creatures, embroidering tea towels, making note cards, taking photographs, writing poems, knitting baby afghans or sweaters, or bringing a surprise treat. We can show our gratitude with a note or word of appreciation. We can visit an elderly friend or relative.

During this pandemic, we need to find ways to nourish one another without close contact. Medical personnel have found that people in isolation, especially the elderly in nursing homes, often become depressed and deteriorate mentally. So the notes, phone calls, e-mails, smiles, and treats become even more important. Yes, masks, hand washing, and social distancing are necessary, but caring for one another is essential too.

It takes extra time and effort to reach out, but it not only lifts the spirits of others, it lifts our own too.
So it's doubly worth it. 

 






 

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