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December 2, 2020When I read this scripture, I am usually focused on the healing miracles and the miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes. So, I was a little surprised when the words that caught my attention were Jesus’ gentle, loving words, “…I do not want to send them away hungry.” After the miraculous healing of all those who were brought to him – the blind, the lame, the mute and others, Jesus noticed that the people had run out of food and he wanted to be sure their very basic human need for something to eat before a long journey was met.
Jesus loves each of us in this very same way. As you wait in expectation for Jesus’ incarnation once again this Christmas, take a moment and, like Jesus notice. Notice the many ways you and your loved ones have had their very basic human need for love, for friendship, and for compassion met this year. Notice the times that Jesus has seen to it that you did not ‘go away hungry or discouraged.’ A friend shared a story with me recently. She’d had a hard week and was going home on Friday evening to begin a weekend alone – in isolation. As she pulled into her driveway, she said she felt so discouraged and was not looking forward to being isolated. Then the phone rang. And a woman she had met recently at work said, “It’s a beautiful afternoon, would you like to go and get something to eat. I know a place that has outdoor seating.” Her spirits soared.
As we enter into this season of Advent, this is the Jesus whose incarnation we are preparing to celebrate. The Jesus who is with us always and whose love and compassion satisfies my most basic needs. And then ask, where do I see the opportunity to be Jesus’ love for another’s most basic human needs? Then act.
