Jesus understands the import of our gestures. He knows that which is ordinary to
us may mean the world to others. Sometimes it is the smallest of gestures that yields the
greatest impact. That which is second nature to us may be salvation for others.
Consider the concern of the disciples for the followers of Jesus.
The disciples are used to assisting Jesus in his ministry, tending to logistical
details that might escape him. That is why, on this occasion, the disciples suggest that
Jesus send the crowds away into the villages and buy food for themselves.
The concerns of the disciples are legitimate. The day is over. The time for dinner
has passed. The crowd of people needs to eat. All those hungry people need to go!
The disciples are quite certain they have nothing, nothing to offer the voluminous
crowd. Jesus disagrees.
“They need not go away,” says Jesus. “You give them something to eat.”
(Matthew 14:16)
Jesus is convinced that the disciples are able to tend to the needs of the people.
Jesus is certain they have the necessary resources.
The disciples protest they cannot honor Jesus’ directive. They quantify their
limitations: “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” (Matthew 14:17)
Bringing the five loaves and the two fish to Jesus is a simple gesture.
Imagine the import of that gesture when one is in need of Messiah. To be fed --
by one who heals the sick, who blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness --
makes all the difference in the world.
The 5000 that gather at the Sea of Galilee could tell us. Receiving a meal that
Jesus serves is salvation.
The people are sustained by Jesus’ gestures, his words, and the elements. “Taking
the five loaves and two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.” (Matthew
14:19)
This is not a simple meal; this is a foretaste of the Messianic banquet.
To the crowds on that day, Jesus extends the words of institution. The same
words surrounding the Lord’s Supper are an invitation for us to partake of his ministry.
Like the disciples, we may be skeptical that sustenance may be had by such
simple elements. And we may be heartened that we, too, have something to offer a world
that hungers.
Making all the difference in the world does not have to be intimidating. The more
in the habit we are, the more we may witness all the time.
Amen.
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