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Another day, another sign. In scripture, a sign is something that points to a reality beyond itself. In both the Old and New Testaments, “signs” or “signs and wonders” crack open heaven just a bit to give earth-bound people a glimpse of Godly truths. In today’s gospel reading (John 6: 1–21), we hear about the feeding of the 5000. At the end of a long day of teaching and ministry, Jesus demonstrates once more God’s abundant provision as he uses five small loaves and two fishes to feed the masses. The disciples share the food around and all the people eat their fill. It’s not just a token amount as some scholars have suggested, nor is it a lesson in sharing as others have argued. This is not the story of the young boy who sets an example of generosity that then inspires the crowd to share their food, which turns out to be adequate for the occasion. This is the story (one of many in the Old and New Testaments) about the ability of God/Jesus to transform too little into more than enough. What about us then? Are we willing to offer God what little we have, so that others may be blesses through it? Just as Jesus was able to transform the small offering of a young boy into a feast that was a blessing to so many, I pray that we too might have the faith to place ourselves and all that we have into his transforming love. Till next time, Andrew ReadingsThis week's discussion is courtesy of Richard Donovan's commentary on Mark 6 at Lectionary.org. The Gospel lesson this Sunday is composed of two passages from Mark 6 linked by their similar content:
Between these two passages, Mark tells the stories of the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6: 35–44) and Jesus walking on the water (Mark 6:45–52). This is an example of a story (or stories) within a story, a favourite genre for Mark. In this case, Mark ties together stories of Jesus' teaching and healing ministry (Mark 6: 30–34, 53–56) with a story of his providing bread – a story with eucharistic overtones (Mark 6:35–44). These passages speak to us, because we have felt like the disciples must have felt – hurried and harried. The needs were great; the crowds were large; and the disciples could not even find time to eat. If busyness was a problem for them, it seems even worse now. Our problem is a world in which experts have engineered out all the breathing room. Our labour-saving appliances fail to save us from labouring, our communications technology fails to bring us together, and our leisure is filled with chores. Just as well Jesus invites us to find our rest in him: “Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) Till next time, Andrew Readings Funny things, hands. Most of the time we take them for granted, but without them life must be almost impossible. Hands can be used for all sorts of things and can also tell us an awful lot about a person. For instance someone who is good at DIY is a handy(wo)man; if somebody is in need we lend a hand, if someone is dishonest they are under-handed and a fair person can be described as even-handed. As Christians, our hands also have a lot to say about the condition of our hearts. We are called to lift up holy hands in praise to God. Our hands should be pure, prayerful, righteous, caring and joyful and al-ways helpful and loving. The writer of Psalm 24 asks:
So what are your heart and hands like? Do you need a manicure? Do you need a heavenly makeover? Why not let Jesus have a go? For we know that for all those who put their trust in him, their sins shall be made white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Till next time, Andrew Readings What’s a messiah got to do? I mean, really? Hot on the heels of healing Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage, Jesus has now returned to his hometown, Nazareth. But whereas he was amazed by the great faith of the woman who was healed by touching his robe, here he finds himself astonished at the lack of faith he finds in his own village. Rather than put their trust in him, the people of Nazareth choose to take offence. “Who does he think he is? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” If only they had known what they were missing out on. As Jesus sends the Twelve out on mission, he does so with the first-hand knowledge that their ministry will not always be well received. For those with open hearts and hearts ready to receive, blessing would abound. But for those who were offended by the offer of God’s love, their lack of faith would bear testimony against them. Think about what, if anything, there is that stops you from seeing who Jesus really is. What helps you take a fresh look? Who or where has God called you to share the Good News? How’s it going? Don’t forget the advice Jesus gave, from our gospel lesson last week: Do not fear, only believe. (Mark 5:36) Till next time, Andrew Readings |
Rev. Andrew SmithVicar of Light in the Hills |
