Lectionary: 169
Read the Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17
Gospel Summary
Jesus continued to teach the crowds that had gathered until late in the day when his disciples came to him and said that Jesus should let the crowd go so that they might find food and a place to stay. Jesus told the disciples to feed the crowd themselves, but they knew it would be impossible because they only had five loaves of bread and two fish among them. Jesus instructed the disciples to divide the people into groups of fifty. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, blessed and broke them and shared them among the people. Not only was this food sufficient for the crowd but they had twelve baskets of leftovers.
Reflection for Families
How many meals do we prepare not knowing exactly who will eat them? As the dynamics of our families change, there may be a few more or a few less at each meal. Sometimes we invite co-workers or neighbors at the last minute to join us for dinner, or our children may ask if Joey can stay for dinner! We can be creative stretching a meal to feed a few more or have some really great leftovers for the next day's lunch! However they turn out, our meals are opportunities for sharing love by our efforts in preparation, with those who gather at the table, and the conversation we share as we eat. Mealtime is important for all families, and we need to make every effort to help them become sacred moments of the day.
Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family
Who does your family know who is hungry, alone, or does not have enough to eat? Maybe you know someone who fits into two or even all three of these categories. Make an effort to take a meal to them, or better yet, have them share a meal and conversation with your family. Learn as much as you can about their needs by listening carefully to what they tell you in conversation. After the event, decide if there is anything you learned that you might do to help lighten their burden.
Discussion Starters
1. The greatest hunger I have ever experienced - either in my own life or something I've seen in someone else's life - was ...
2. One way I will serve people who are hungry is by ...
3. The hardest thing for me about sharing is ...
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