The power of love

Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed those who were ill.

That evening his disciples came to him and said, ‘It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves.’

‘They don’t have to leave’, answered Jesus. ‘You yourselves give them something to eat!’

‘All we have are five loaves and two fish’, they replied.
(verses 14-17)

Read Matthew 14:13-21

The disciples could see no solution to a logistical problem: how do you feed so many people? They wanted Jesus to send the people to the villages before it got too late. Jesus, however, was moved by the plight of the people, and he challenged the disciples to help them.

We, too, are confronted by ‘impossible’ challenges. So much poverty in the world – and even right here in Australia. So much injustice. So few resources. What can we few do? What can I do?

What we can do is love. And care. And serve. Our model is Jesus – who was not only filled with compassion but immediately acted to help. If we respond as he did, loving our neighbours in the way we serve them, we may be amazed at what can be achieved.

Father, when I see the hugeness of the things that need to be done, let me share Jesus’ compassion, and let me trust in your power. Amen.

by Bob Turnbull in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)

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