‘I have compassion on the crowd – is this true for me? Do I care that many people are tired, anxious, unsure of the future, uncertain about what life is meant to be about? Am I compassionate to others?
How can one feed these people?
The disciples looked and saw their lack; Jesus asked them to look again and see the possibilities. The disciples have not yet understood all things are possible with Jesus, even though Jesus performed a similar miracle a little while earlier.
Jesus loved to share meals with everybody no matter who they are and what they are. Mark tells us that Jesus wanted to ensure that every one of his listeners that day would reach their earthly home safely.
At an ordinary human level, we are given a glimpse of Jesus’ tender concern for the crowd. They have left their homes, followed him into the desert, and remained with him for days. He is full of compassion, being very conscious of their tiredness and of hunger of these people.
We think of how Jesus has compassion on us and wants to feed us. He sees the distance we have come and wants to give us strength. The loaves of the people fed the crowd. Jesus uses what we can give to him in his service We can work with what we have, and experience His presence .
He speaks his word through us and loves the world through us. All belivers are called to be missionaries in the sense of sharing God’s unconditional love with others.
May we continue to offer the little “loaves” we have, give everyone endless compassion and watch as they are transformed by Jesus.
Music for the Soul 