A meditation on Matthew 14.12-21
They went and told Jesus that John had been beheaded.
All of what is about to happen
is in a context of violence, oppression, trauma, and fear.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
When Jesus heard this, he withdrew… but the crowds followed him.
The Spirit helps us balance service and solitude.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
Seeing the crowd, he had compassion for them and cured their sick.
Despite people’s anxiety Jesus acts only out of compassion.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
The disciples said, “Send them to buy food.”
But he said, “You give them something to eat.”
We always face what we don’t have. It is not relevant.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.”
What if the power, the grace, is within you?
What if your small offering is enough?
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
He took the loaves, blessed and broke them.
Jesus does not internalize the world’s violence or the disciple’s anxiety.
His response to evil and trauma is blessing.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
He gave them to the disciples.
Before you act, your gift is taken out of the world’s hands,
brought into Christ’s care,
blessed and broken (you do not know the infinite grace of this blessing),
and only then given back to you to give.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
The disciples gave them to the crowds.
All that you have is placed in your hands for the sake of the world.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
All five thousand ate and were filled, with twelve baskets left over.
There is enough grace to spare for the tribes of Israel.
Soon there will be seven baskets, enough for all Creation (Mt.15.37).
Expand your hope.
[…Holy One, grant me your peace…]
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Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
July 27, 2020