The multiplication of the loaves.  It's a biblical story that Christians are well aware of.  In fact, it is the only New Testament miracle story that appears in all four gospels. And it was a reading that I was able to reflect on two separate occasions last week.  

Part of the privilege of this new job is that I get to join with several different groups of adults in their faith formation groups.  Both the Wednesday Scripture Study and the CARE (Catholic Adult Religious Experience) had this same ol' story as part of their focus.  

On a basic level, this is the miracle of Jesus multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed the multitudes.  But the insights gained by thinking and pondering and wondering along with other faithful brings it to many other levels.  Oh, what the spirit can do to inspire and teach us!  

In one group session, part of the study focused on this verse:  John 6:12 - When they had their fill, he said to his disciples, "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted."  The study material gave an interpretation for the verse but we discussed another.  That Jesus was modeling stewardship of our resources. Gather and waste nothing.  There is more than enough to satisfy everyone.  I can provide for all.  

In another group session, our focus was on Saint Mother Theresa of Calcutta.  One of her quotes, "Not all of us can do great things.  But we can do small things with great love."  The boy who shared his five barley loaves and two fish did a small thing.  But this small act became the great miracle of love from Jesus to thousands.

  

I am certain that your reflection on this same ol' story will glean even more meanings as the spirit prompts you.  For in Isaiah 55:11 we read that "So shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it."  To me, that means that our shared reading and reflections on scripture yield insights that come from our loving Father. I look forward to opportunities that I can join in conversation with all of you and learn what God chooses to reveal.