“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” 1 JN 4:7
I recently met a 12-year old boy, Hieu, who is in recovery mode from a bone marrow transplant. His family doesn’t have much, but they are full of love for each other and God. When I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said he has enough. He didn’t know what to ask for. His one wish was to be well enough to attend church and be an altar boy. He wanted to share his love for God with others. Noah, my 5-year old nephew, gave a similar response when asked what he wanted for Christmas. He listed a game, Xbox points, and one shirt. When I asked him why only one shirt, he responded, “I have enough.” He had recently learned about other children his age who might not have Christmas presents. Because of this, he wanted Jesus to know he has enough. He only wanted a new shirt to wear on Christmas - other children can get his portion of the toys.
Today’s gospel of Jesus feeding five thousand men with only five loaves and two fish reminds me of the Hieu and Noah. The disciples wanted to send the people away at the end of the day, because they did not have enough to feed the people; it would cost two hundred days’ wages. Jesus asked them to bring him what they have, “Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to the heaven, he said his blessings, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people” (Mk 6:41-42). It was enough for Him to feed five thousand men, so much so that they had leftovers. This miracle shows God’s remarkable generosity, and His love for us. God gives in unconditional abundance. He gives us more than what we need so that we can go forth and share His blessings with others, especially those who need us most.
Do you have enough? Do you trust in God’s abundance love for us? Do you freely share with others, especially those who need it most?
Reflected by Katherine Tran
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