“Give them something to eat yourselves,” this is the response of Jesus to his Disciples when they share with Jesus that they do not have enough food to feed the people. But, what happens… The feeding of the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish is a reminder that “God’s love always exceeds our need.”
The Gospel story today is not just about Jesus providing for the physical needs of people to be nourished. It is also a reminder that our God wishes to provide for the spiritual needs of people.
For Jesus, the feeding of the 5,000 was not meant to be a one-time thing.
“Give them something to eat yourselves,” is Jesus saying to his Disciples of yesterday, today and tomorrow, “Feed one another… See that everyone is nourished – physically and spiritually.”
At that Last Supper, Jesus says to his Disciples, “Do this in memory of me.” Have this Meal be nourished. Feed one another. Encourage one another. Share whatever abundance you have with one another.
Today we come together to be fed, to be challenged, to be encouraged, to be lifted up, to be sent out refreshed and recommitted to feeding & nourish others.
As we respond more and more to Jesus’ command to “Give them some food yourselves,” know that we will be preaching the Gospel and maybe more importantly: practicing what we preach!