Living the Loaves and Fishes

There’s the story in the Bible about Jesus and his disciples, and the loaves and fishes. Sometimes it’s five loaves and 2 fish, sometimes more, or less. But as the story goes, Jesus was preaching to the “multitudes” (estimated at 4 – 5,000). When meal time came, he realized there was nothing for them all to eat. A small boy offered his meager lunch – loaves and fishes, which, when blessed by Jesus, multiplied enough to feed everyone.

I’d like to think that what really happened is that when those around Jesus saw the small child presenting his offering, they were so moved…or perhaps felt so guilty…that they, too, stepped forward and offered theirlunch; and others saw, and offered theirs, and so on, until indeed there was enough gathered to feed the crowd. That’s the way it was at our house – we’d put out what we had, others would offer what they had. While the meal might not always have been “balanced”, it was nourishing, filling, satisfying. Or maybe it was the company we welcomed, or our hospitality offered, that filled that hollow. It hardly mattered, in the end. What made a difference is that we offered, someone accepted, and we all were blessed and enriched by our actions. A gift that was received, and given back – or paid forward – in time. Our hope is that we will always be able to offer the gift of hospitality to anyone. May it be so.

by Ann Woldt TO READ MORE