The gospel account of the feeding of the five thousand is so familiar we might be tempted to tune out. After all, we know the ending!
How does this relate to us?
We need to be a welcoming community of believers, one that believes in radical hospitality, but are we welcoming, is our hospitable attitude obvious to others?
When people meet us, are they met with smiling faces, greeting them warmly? Do those at the entrances to our churches say hello to all, or are they busy talking to the ones that they know? Do we make an attempt to meet people we don't know? Are we willing to share our faith with others?
I know that I have mentioned before the hospitality I have enjoyed at the hands of strangers who had little to share.
Whatever we can do, Jesus can work with it and it's amazing what Jesus can do with just a little. Five loaves and two fish are not much to feed so many people, but Jesus did it!
There have been debates over the years about whether or not others had food with them and what they shared was added to the loaves and fish that Jesus blessed, but does it really matter? If the gift of the loaves and fish inspired others to share what they had, isn't that just as much of a miracle?
Spend a day this week smiling at EVERY person you see – at home, at work, coming towards you as you walk or drive, and see what a difference it makes!
It is said that a smile is the best form of evangelization, and that is our mission as disciples.
