Sunday August 6th, 2017 9th Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 14:13-21
"?send the crowds away"? Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." (verses 15-16)
“Hey, that’s not my job!” was a familiar cry at home when I was growing up in a large family where duties were shared with no distinction between male and female tasks. It happened because from time to time we needed to fill in for one another. My parents’ response made it clear, too, that our job was to work together so that everyone’s needs were met.
Jesus here gives us all a gentle, but firm reminder that caring for others is our job as part of the family of God. Now Jesus does enable it to happen. Notice, though, that Jesus takes what they have and divides it. The miracle, my friends, begins with the division not the multiplication!
That was the hard part for us as kids, as well. But if we begin with the division, miracles will follow even in our time.
Faithful Lord, in your family no one's needs are not met. Help me to do my part with thanksgiving for the love first given to me. Bless, O Lord, these gifts of mine to your use. Amen. — EB
Contributed by That is Our Job!
"Hey, that's not my job!" was a familiar cry at home when I was growing up in a large family where duties were shared with no distinction between male and female tasks. It happened because from time to time we needed to fill in for one another. My parents' response made it clear, too, that our job was to work together so that everyone's needs were met.
Jesus here gives us all a gentle, but firm reminder that caring for others is our job as part of the family of God. Now Jesus does enable it to happen. Notice, though, that Jesus takes what they have and divides it. The miracle, my friends, begins with the division not the multiplication!
That was the hard part for us as kids, as well. But if we begin with the division, miracles will follow even in our time.
