“How many loaves do you have?”

Please read today’s gospel on the Miracle of the Loaves, Mark 8:1-10

I would like to give this gospel miracle some new perspective, by standing the quoted verse by itself.  Let us read this particular verse again: How many loaves do you have?

Maybe you can relate in a similar way, but, with my health issues, I do not always feel like I’m able to serve God the way I desire to.  The disciples felt the same way about serving the people food.  They simply did not have enough to go around! 

If you feel unable to serve God due to family, health, or for any understandable reason, don’t beat yourself up!  At least have a prayer life, or do some spiritual reading; and Jesus will ask you “How many loaves do you have?” – or, rather, “What do you have to give?”  Even if it’s your empty hands (like St. Therese had, yes I am referring to her again!), give it to Him.  The good Lord is generous, and will take our simplicity and humility, and make it into something beautiful.  Sometimes it takes faith to believe that He is using it, but that is part of the Christian journey: it takes faith.

Believe in Him, love Him, and let Him work through you in spite of your “littleness.”