Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said.
Mt.14:16-18
Huge crowds follow Jesus to a lonely place where, out of pity for them, he heals their sick. The unplanned assembly has no food so the disciples turn to Jesus to solve the problem. The miracle feeding of the five thousand results.
Today's first reading has the complaining people mob Moses while crying out for meat. Moses intercedes to God who then supplies quail to satisfy their hunger. The same course of action is followed in the Gospel... complaint, intercession, supply.
In both instances God uses what is available to meet the needs of the people, quail for the Hebrews in the desert, five loaves and two fish for the crowds following Jesus. What was required both times before a miracle happened was prayer. It seems God waits for the prayer before moving his hand.
Two things are revealed here. First, God wants to supply my needs. Second, he wants me to ask him. When I run out of options God is there waiting. "Ask and you shall receive", he says. It's only after I ask that miracles can happen.
Jesus, you are still in the business of turning scarcity into plenty. Our parish Alpha course starts this evening. Lord, I hand over our "five loaves and two fish" and ask you do a miraculous work.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
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