FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF LENT

The Son of Man feeds the Crowds

[Jesus’] disciples replied, “How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to distribute; and they distributed them to the crowd. … They ate and were filed; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. Now there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away. Mark 8: 4-9

Imagine:
You are hungry. You and your family have been with the Son of Man for three days. It took you two days to find him. You ran out of food last night and so did your neighbors. You soon realize that everyone is out of food. Everyone is hungry.

The crowd grows restless - then suddenly quiet.

You notice a wave of calm fanning out from where the Son of Man stands. You see disciples moving through the crowd with baskets of bread and fish. You want to run toward the basket, but you stay in the back and wait. You are amazed that the disciple’s basket is still full when he reaches your family.

The Son of Man has supplied your need and you are grateful to God. You know that from now on the bread that nourishes your body will also nourish your spirit. You know God will supply your need in spirit and in truth.

You return home, eager to spread the word.

What has the Son of Man told you about who he is? How will you share what has been given you?

Bountiful Lord, we thank you for nourishing our spirits. Guide us and show us ways to share this food with the sons of man.