One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord. — Psalm 27:(see 4)

Mass readings: Acts 5:34-42 / John 6:1-15 

Gifts from Above 

I live in the breadbasket of the world. The corn and wheat fields of the Midwest feed millions upon millions. The bounty of the land is nothing short of miraculous. Whenever I drive out of the city and pass through those vast acres, I’m overwhelmed by the success of modern agriculture. 

Today’s Gospel recounts the familiar story of the multiplication of the loaves. Knowing people were hungry, Jesus miraculously fed thousands. Given today’s secular way of thinking, we credit our technology and advances to humanity’s skills and knowledge. But everything we enjoy is a gift from God: from the fruits and vegetables we eat to the brilliant discoveries and ideas that enable us to grow crops in abundance. God gave us a world with many riches and minds with many talents. 

Prayer: Lord, let me be grateful for the gifts of this world.