Storm of Want

Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

This story is about a couple of things. First, we think about the fact that Jesus can take what little we have and turn it into so much more. And secondly, its about community. The community shared what they had and it was blessed and stretched until all were fed.

The modern day picture was taken during the aftermath of the tornado, when everyone was bringing what they had to share with those who had lost all. These “loaves and fishes” were made into lunch for volunteers and homeowners to nourish and sustain them while they helped clear the debris. When we take care of our neighbors and our community, we are all blessed indeed!!