As Jesus and his disciples head to a deserted place, perhaps seeking peace and quiet, many from the
surrounding towns follow them. Instead of turning them away, Jesus expresses compassion and begins an
impromptu teaching session. As the day goes on, the disciples have logistics in mind and urge Jesus to send
the people back into the villages so they can feed themselves. Instead, Jesus presents them with an impossible task: “You give them something to eat.” Dumbfounded, the disciples can only fathom the limitations and financial constraints of Jesus’ suggestion. Yet when they “go and see,” their meager provisions multiply so that thousands are fed. Jesus models a way to be in community by coming together and sharing what we have,
dispelling perceived impossibilities. The good news empowers us to believe in the miracles that can become
possible through the power of community.
