Which Miracle do you Believe? - March 15

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 89:1-18; PM Psalm 89:19-52 ; Jer. 16:10-21; Rom. 7:1-12; John 6:1-15

I certainly don’t want to dismiss the incredible power of God.  Each year, I become increasingly aware that there is much that I cannot fathom or even begin to comprehend.  I do believe there are events that stretch our comprehension and can be nothing less than deemed a miracle. I can easily concede that many of the stories in Scripture such as healing and bringing back to life must be true.  If they were not, why would we be telling the story today? 

However, I also don’t believe that many of these stories are at the crux of our faith.  For me, it is not about whether or not God did this or that, but more about our faithfulness and how that reorients our lives.  I think today’s Gospel lesson gives us an interesting experiment to test out.

Imagine this group of five thousand gathered after a long day of travel, seeking out the mysterious Jesus who is beginning to have quite a following. The group gathered is made up of teenagers and adults leaving home in search of something different.  Many of their lives are challenged by poverty or exceptional hard work, illness, and brokenness, some even as much to say despair.  They take what little they have, a few snacks for the road, some figs and bread wrapped up in the garments, and begin the journey to meet this mysterious man. 

When they arrive at the Sea of Galilee, there are five thousand in total.  Many who have been away from home for several days at this point.  Now, two things could have happened at this moment in the story.  When the crowd encounters Jesus, Jesus could either multiply the loaves of bread and the fish so that food is made out of relatively nothing.  Or people could have been so willing to share what was hidden in their garments, the stored-up rations for a few days travel, enough so that everyone who gathered was fed.  Which would be the greater miracle?  People giving up what they need to be secure and safe for the wellbeing of the community?  Or a multiplication magic trick?

I’d argue that both are pretty miraculous, and one seems more plausible than the other, not that it really matters which story is true. But one story has a much bigger impact on our lives today.  Are we waiting for God to multiply what we have so that we have more?  Or are we trusting enough to give up much of what we have for the well-being of the community and believe that there will be enough for everyone?  What about just a little bit more than before? 

Faithfully,

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  Have you ever experienced something where people shared what they had in a miraculous way?  What was your role in the story? Is it easy for you to share what is yours? 

Daily Challenge: Consider ways of helping your local community.  Here is an easy list of 10 ways to consider.  Also, in March, Saint Stephen’s is collecting for the Lovelady Center.  Read more here.  We also have an ongoing weekly presence in Avondale and you can learn more here.