Living in the Spirit
July 24, 2021
Scripture Reading: John 6:1-21
After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’
When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
I have heard many sermons trying to explain this event and read commentaries doing the same. I guess I am just too practical. I am sure these words have deep theological meanings, but when I read it, it says that when people are hungry, feed them. Even as the richest nation, we are doing a terrible job feeding the hungry.
How many people are hungry in the world? Globally, about 8.9% of the world’s population — 690 million people — go to bed on an empty stomach each night. Since 2014, the number of people affected by hunger has been slowly on the rise. If it continues at this rate, it’ll exceed 840 million by 2030*.
The USA provides the SNAP (food stamp) program, but I often hear people denigrate those who receive this help as lazy. They just need to get a job. The fact is that 75% of families receiving SNAP have one family member that works, and one-third of that 75% have more than one family member that works. Sixteen percent are over age 65. At least some are permanently and totally disabled. Non-disabled adults who are not working must seek work and take jobs offered to qualify for SNAP.
I know people are sick of hearing this, but hunger is a systemic problem related to low wages and the distribution of wealth that is far outside acceptable norms. Indeed, the poor will always be with us, as will the rich, but having low wealth should not equate to suffering from hunger.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for taking the distribution of wealth in our world for granted. Help us develop a system where everyone at least has enough of the necessities of life. Amen.
*https://www.worldvision.org/hunger-news-stories/world-hunger-facts
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.