Today, the multiplication of the loaves and fish do directly impact all of us today's readings . In the gospel we encounter Jesus, the man, once again demonstrating great care for the crowd that was following him, listening to his preaching. But, as Mark noted, "again ... without anything to eat." His teaching must have been magnetic. Perhaps it was so strong that it helped fill the emptiness of many stomachs! And what must have been in the mind and heart of Jesus when he took the loaves and fish which he blessed and then saw such a multiplication. Enough to feed about 4000 adults! What do you think he must has said in his quiet prayer to Yahweh about such power, about this unique gift he was experiencing? Again, he could not be "playing God." He was living among us a man. Wouldn't he have cheapened his sacrifice if he played between God and man in all he did while on this earth? What wonder and awe there is for each of us, if we let Jesus be Jesus, the man on a mission! Can you even begin to imagine the conversation in the boat between Jesus and the disciples as they sailed away to another region? I know I would be like Peter, wanting answers immediately. "How did you do that?" "Where did you get that power?" "Are you some very special person?" "Can you tell us?" When a magician does magic before a group of children, they are dumbfounded? How? What's the secret? I feel like a child as I consider what Jesus as just done for about 4000 people. This event in Jesus' life might be seen not simply as a great moment of charity for hungry people. I see it as a reminder that Jesus can take whatever we have and do so much with it for the good of God's kingdom --- if we but allow him to have what we have. I think especially of parents with younger children. Today's young people have so much but yet are so hungry. Just get beneath the Ipods, Nintendos, and computers and the pages where they pour out their guts --- unfortunately for the wrong people to read. All those wonderful electronic marvels become instruments of loneliness in a terribly addictive way. In all that loneliness there is simply a calling out: "I AM HUNGRY. FEED ME WITH SOMETHING OF GENUINE VALUE." What a challenge this must be for you who have young children. How do you know what to multiply in your children's lives? How difficult it must be to not multiply what is not good when you confront "the other kids have that" message! Jesus will give you the food you need ... the strength to be the parent you know you want to be. Refuse to see yourself as inauthentic or cowardly, because those thoughts wil keep you from acting on what you know you were meant to be. Take daily steps to bring your thoughts of your grand heroic mission into harmony with your activities. ----- Dr. Wayne Dyer, The Power of Intention Perpetual Calendar for today, February 10, 2007
