“A Great Blessing; Communion Meditation”                                    November 6, 2011
Matthew 14: 13–20                                                                        The Rev. Mary A. Pullen

There were three mice who died and went to heaven. After a couple of days, St. Peter stopped by and asked them how they liked being in heaven. The mice said that it was OK, but since they had such short legs, it was hard for them to get around because heaven was so big. So St. Peter told them that he thought he would be able to help them. After a little while, an angel came to the mice and gave each of them a set of roller skates. Right away, the mice put the roller skates on and they could zip around heaven, really enjoy themselves. A little later, a certain cat died and went to heaven. After a couple of days, St. Peter stopped by and asked the cat how he liked being in heaven. The cat answered by saying, "Oh, boy, do I like being in heaven! I'm having a great time and I'm really enjoying myself. And most of all, I love those meals on wheels." [i]

In recent years, the cost of food around the world has increased, that is true. In America food is still relatively cheap. It’s also true that many people in our country, our communities and our neighborhoods experience hunger every day – a shameful reality in the wealthiest country in the world. At BPC, the good news is that we do something about it by supporting mission programs such as Snacks and backpacks, the CROP walk on November 20, Christ House ministry, and the ECHO Food program, and the Christmas Alternate Gift Fair. In addition, many in the congregation either participate or give to programs that fight hunger domestically and internationally. We even keep a supply of grocery store food cards in the office that can be given to those who need emergency food aid. Sadly, the other side of the coin in our country is that obesity rates are rising, with serious physical consequences that will take more and more health care resources in the future if we can’t get it under control. On a personal note, I will share with you that I struggle with this every day. It is not easy to lose weight once you have gained it, as many of you know. The relationships that we have with food, what food means, and the emotions evoked have roots in our psyches from our earliest memories. Food is how our families, social groups and congregations, celebrate, or mourn, or rejoice or remember. We forget that our national day of Thanksgiving did not start out as Turkey Day, a glorification of stuffing ourselves with food, but rather as a truly spiritual day of heartfelt gratitude that the Pilgrims had survived through a desperate year that took the lives of many of them.

The Synoptic Gospels, of which Matthew is one, describe eating and drinking not just as physical need, but also as spiritual refreshment. The Kingdom of heaven is frequently portrayed as a banquet. [ii] The fellowship that is experienced around the earthly table is magnified at the heavenly feast. The miracle of the loaves and fishes presents intellectual problems for the inquiring or skeptical mind. Did it really happen? How did the food stretch to feed everyone? Where did the abundance come from? Nowhere in the text does Matthew state that Jesus multiplied the food. This miracle story can be understood as a metaphor, with its rich religious symbolism calling us to examine what is truly important in our lives as Christians. [iii]

The context for this story is that Jesus was tired, and sad after learning about the death of John the Baptist. He needed to get away, to go out in his boat and have some “me time.” The crowds followed him to the desert place. The text tells us that he had compassion for them and healed their sick. When it was dinnertime, the disciples said to Jesus, send them away to the villages to buy food. Jesus tells them to the feed the crowds; they reply that they have only the five loaves and two fishes. The real miracle is what happens next. In a foreshadowing of the Last Supper, Jesus says bring the food to me. He blessed the food, broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to distribute. Everyone had enough to eat, and there was food left over. This is a metaphor for God’s abundance to us. Out of what we give, however little it may be, comes abundance. The miracle of the loaves and fishes calls to examine and to incorporate into our lives those Christian practices which allow God’s abundant grace to so overflow, overcome and overwhelm our lives that we live in spiritual abundance, not scarcity. Because of that abundant grace we are able to give that same compassion to others.

Marcus Borg, writing in in The Heart of Christianity, talks about Christian practice, which is NOT to be confused with works. Practice he says is about paying attention to God.[iv] The other three practices he identifies are the formation of Christian identity and character, Nourishment, Compassion and Justice, and Living the Way.[v]

Think about your responses to the events of life as it relates to this story. Lord, we have nothing here but five loaves and two fishes! Who else responds like this? We do! When our kids get in trouble, when marriages fail, when we are faced with a decision that could have severe financial consequences or cause us to lose a job, when we realize that our souls cry out for answers that seemingly are not there….when we say to the Lord, all that I have are five loaves and two fishes and it is not enough…the Lord says..bring them to me. When we do, we are blessed! There’s enough left over to sustain us for another day.[vi]

As we come to the table in a few moments to participate in the Sacrament, let’s remember why today is significant in the life of the Church. First, it’s all saints day, when we remember those who’ve passed on to dwell eternally in God’s kingdom. We honor their lives, memories and faith. Second, we remember our veterans, some of whom gave their lives in the service of their country. Third, today is our Stewardship Dedication Day. Given the recent economy, maybe some of us are saying to ourselves, Lord, I have only five loaves and two fishes! Don’t leave it there. Give what you can so that God will bless it abundantly to do far more than we imagine. When we give together, it works together.

My sisters and brothers in Christ, leave your worries, your troubles, and your sins aside as you come now to the table. Share in the feast, and go out with the great blessing of God’s abundant grace!