What I’m Thinking: Contributing

In the sixth chapter of John, we hear the famous story of Jesus feeding five thousand people – once a young man has contributed five loaves and two fish. It didn’t seem like much, but it made a difference.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking about the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel today (John 6:1-21). It begins with two stories of Jesus’ miracles, told very briefly and back to back. 

First, the story of Jesus feeding five thousand people on a hillside – once he started with five loaves and two fish given him by a young man. And then Jesus goes out on the lake, or rather, his disciples do. Jesus follows in a rather unusual way. He walk across the water to them. Once he’s joined the boat, they continue on their way to where they’re going.

Ordinarily in John’s Gospel, such stories would be followed by a lengthy conversation and then sermon on Jesus’ part about what that means about who Jesus is. And indeed, that is what occupies the rest of chapter six.

But I am thinking about those five loaves and those two fish.

The reason that we haven’t had a “What I’m Thinking” for a couple of weeks is that my father (the Rev. Dr. Lynn W. Anderson) passed away, and I went to New England to be with family and to honor his life and to do those things that we do during times of grief.

And so I’m feeling just a little bit like one of those hungry people on the hillside, and realizing that although it’s Jesus’ power that feeds me – it’s Jesus’ strength and compassion that renews me – there is also a role for those who provide just those small bits and pieces of the final grace. Those five loaves and two fishes – not much for five thousand people, but you know: combined with the power of Jesus, they make a tremendous difference.

So I am thinking with gratitude of all of you who have been so kind and gracious and compassionate to me in these last two weeks and, I know, in the days to come.

And I am thinking with gratitude about all those other people who will do the same for you: if not today, then tomorrow, or the day after, or some other day to come.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.