Posted 22 November 2004
Matthew 14:15-21
Mark 6:35-44
Luke 9:12-17
John 6:6-13
All four of these readings cover the only one of Jesus’ miracles to be recorded in
all of the gospels – the feeding of the 5,000 people. Luke states it is in
Bethsaida, and John says it is on the Sea of Galilee.
As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded more of who we,
as Christians, look to for comfort, joy, hope, and salvation.
Jesus was able to feed 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish,
and there were baskets of food left over.
If our Lord is able to do this with so little bread and fish, imagine what can
be done through us. We all are able to do our part to serve God while on this
earth. For some, it may be pursuing ordained ministry or something else
along those lines. For others, it may be being a part of a Bible Study.
There are even those who just make the best cookies, pies, and other various
foods that can bring us all so much joy. The United Methodist Church calls this
vocation. Vocation simply involves serving God with what graces and gifts you
have been given. No vocation is more important than any other. All fit into an
intricate puzzle just right in order to make our faith community work.
This faith community, though, is not finished by any means. Pieces are still
missing. We are the people of God, and are considered by many to be the earthly
body of God. This involves many things. We must be like the cells in our own body,
but for God. If your cells stop multiplying, then you stop growing and even start
decaying as cells die off. In much the same manner, we MUST continue growing this
body of God. The light of Jesus Christ lives within all who love with all their
hearts the true Lord. Let this light be a medium through which the work of God
may be accomplished on this world. Let that light SHINE.
May the grace and peace of God be with you always
-- Chris Phillips