In A Deserted Place? Little To Give? Do Not Be Afraid!

I was worrying about how tired I am and how little I have to offer this world when God drew me to Matthew’s Gospel:

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over- twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

                                                                                       (Matthew 14:13-21)

I relate to Jesus and the disciples in this scripture. I want to be alone. The trials of life overwhelm me, and I am grieving. Even when I try to hide, to escape into solitude, I am sought out. I have duties and responsibilities that cannot wait for rest and grief.

I have so little to give that I feel like the disciples with five loaves of bread and two fish before a hungry and demanding crowd. The need is great, and I have little to offer.

But here is the thing. Jesus, while human, is also God. In his human nature he knows and relates to our tiredness and our neediness. He knows well the conflict that often comes between our wants, needs, and demands. In his divine nature, he can take what we lack and multiply to meet the needs and demands of those around us.

We should not be afraid of what we lack. Give what you can and God will take care of the rest.