How many loaves do you have? - (Mk 8:1-10)
"How many loaves do you have?" This question asked by Jesus of his disciples reminds me of Mary's question to Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation: "How will this happen to me?" It is exactly the same logic. Just as Mary does not ask, "Will this happen to me?" likewise, Jesus does not ask, "Do you have bread?" His question about how many loaves they have is an expression of faith and belief that they have something. It is a symbolic hint for us on how to approach ourselves and other people. When God created us, he did not spare his gifts. He has given each of us generously with various gifts and graces. Otherwise, we would not be made in the image and likeness of God, in the image of God, in whom all riches are. It is us who develop a belief in ourselves that we know nothing, know nothing. We do this because we have either not met people to teach us this, or we have chosen the path of giving up for some reason. Sometimes because of some hurt, drama. We are then able to withdraw from life.
It is us who develop a belief in ourselves that we know nothing, and that we can't do anything. We do this because we have either not met people who teach us, or we have chosen the path of giving up for some reason. Sometimes because of some hurt, drama. And then we withdraw from active life.
In the parallel text in the Gospel of John, we hear the disciples 'reaction to Jesus' willingness to act: "There is one boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what is this to so many?" (see Jn 6: 9). We often get discouraged and give up acting completely, because our human calculations show… that it does not make sense. Jesus reminds us of the obligatory principle of his spirituality: it is better to do something than do nothing.
We can refer to the community of the Church, which today has well over a billion followers. Jesus started from nothing. The story of two Jews visiting the Vatican reminds of this. They admire the splendor and wealth of Vatican buildings. One of them says: "Look, they started from the stable." Each of us began from nothing. Of course, this is not about material things, but about spiritual matters. Look at your family, the parish community - it was not there either. If those who started this work said to themselves: but my strength is too small, nothing would come of it. Just look at the founders of our religious orders. St. Ignatius of Loyola becomes a beggar. He wants to get rid of everything. Mother Teresa of Calcutta does not accept any money ... and the works unfold.
Let us abandon unnecessary worries. Let us trust God in His guidance, His Providence. Let him act in our lives by offering him what we have and believing that even if it is not enough, in his logic it is enough, because his love will multiply and develop what we put before him.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george