Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the Third Week of Lent: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 42 and 43; Evening, Psalms 85 and 86;
Genesis 46:1 to 7 and 28 to 34; 1st Corinthians 9:1 to 15; Mark 6:30 to 46:
“You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37)
The crowd has been following our Lord Jesus until late in the day. They were tired and now hungry. The disciples warned Jesus to send them home so that they could feed themselves. Jesus said no, “You give them something to eat.”
True Christians take responsibility for what needs to be done. Our Lord Jesus has them to take stock of what they have, five loaves and two fish. Admittedly not enough without God getting involved but Jesus takes it, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it. This is the same four-fold table action at Holy Communion. The Priest or Bishop takes the presented sacraments, blesses them, breaks the bread and pours the wine, and then distributes the Lord’s body and blood to the waiting people.
The lesson here is not to be concerned about what we don’t have, but to take stock of what we do have; and then to bless it to God, divide it up, and distribute it as we are able. With God, all things are possible. This action should be repeated at family meals as well. Breakfast or supper should be first prepared, prayed over in thanksgiving to God, portioned out, and given to family members, all according to their needs from the eldest to the youngest with love.
Perhaps the most important lesson our Lord Jesus is teaching is that we should not push our problems aside. Hungry and tired people needing sustenance is probably as serious as it gets. We have hungry people all around us today. And even if someone gives them a meal, it is rarely “blessed by the giver.” So, when we provide the hungry with a meal, bless it for them. I believe blessed food makes the body healthier. The hungry are not the problem of somebody else, Our Lord Jesus says to us; “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37)
Let us Pray:
Dear Lord God Almighty, as you have blessed us, so like Abraham, let us also be a blessing. Remind us dear God, to not only bless what we are about to share, but to also bless those who are unaware of the power of blessing. Help us daily dear God to be mindful of what we have no matter how little it is and that all things come from you, and to you we give back through giving to others. In Christ Name we pray: Amen.
Today our Church remembers Perpetua and Felicity; Martyrs at Carthage (7 March 202). You can find them at: http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Perpetua.htm.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
onewhoponders 