Feeding The Masses
Not long ago I was re-reading the feeding of the five thousand. You know the one, when Jesus feeds so many with just a few pieces of fish and bread. What really struck me this time was sure, Jesus multiplied the food, but it was the disciples’ job to feed the people, to use what they had and feed the people. Listen again, “In those days when there was again a great crowd without anything to eat, he called his disciples and said to them, 2 “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way—and some of them have come from a great distance.” 4 His disciples replied, “How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?” 5 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” 6 Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd.” Jesus didn’t feed the people, the disciples did.
Food is important. It's essential to our body's functioning. We get hangry when we are not fed enough. For most of us, we get to open our pantry and find endless options for a snack, not to mention we have three meals a day. Unfortunately, many of our neighbors don’t have this luxury. Students at the school surrounding University often come to school having not eaten breakfast and go home without eating lunch, particularly this year since the option of free lunches is gone. In Student Ministry, we host events three days a week where food is involved. Monday Lunches, Tuesday Open Gym and Wednesday Night Dinner. Each time students show up we hear, “thanks miss, I have not eaten today” or “can I take some home, my sister doesn’t have lunch either,” or something similar.
Over in Student Ministry, as well as so many other places in this church, we have taken the call from Jesus to feed people seriously. Jesus empowers us and reminds us that part of our call as followers of him is to help meet the basic needs of people. We would love for you to partner with us. Join us for Monday Lunches, or Tuesday Open Gym, come on Wednesday Night and see crowds of students who walk over to eat what might feel like miraculous provisions to them. And, if you can’t come, we would welcome your support financially. We are using what we have, but like the disciples we know we are in need of more. When we all come together, we can feed so many. Thank you for all the ways you follow the call of Jesus to feed people.
Blessings,
Rev. Sarah Dennis