God's Better Plan
"'Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.' He said to them in reply, 'Give them some food yourselves.' …'How many loaves do you have? Go and see.'” (Mark 6:36-38)
"'Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.' He said to them in reply, 'Give them some food yourselves.' …'How many loaves do you have? Go and see.'” (Mark 6:36-38)
We know what happens next. The disciples brought Jesus all they had: five loaves and two fish. Then five thousand men “ate and were satisfied,” and there were enough leftovers to fill 12 wicker baskets. This miracle "prefigures the superabundance of this unique bread of his Eucharist.” (CCC 1335)
Jesus has in mind miracles for our lives, but he asks us to bring him all we have. Imagine what would have happened if the disciples had saved one of the loaves for themselves, as a backup plan? They didn’t know what Jesus had in mind. They just knew he did not go along with their request. He had a better plan.
How often do we, just like the disciples, ask Jesus to solve a situation according to our plan? How do we respond when his response challenges us to dig deep and take inventory of what we have?
Are we willing to give him all, and then wait to see how God is glorified?
Lord, open my eyes to the needs of those around me. Give me the courage to come to you with their needs and let you use me. Amen.
Ivonne Hernandez is a Catholic wife, mother, Lay Associate of the Blessed Sacrament, and President of Elisheba House. She is also a speaker and writer, and a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Ivonne and her husband, who have three young adult sons, reside in Trinity, FL, where they serve as coordinators for the OCIA program at their parish, St. Peter the Apostle.
