abide in me

 

The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Mt 15:33

Too often our first reaction when suddenly confronted with our own limitations or circumstances that challenges us is doubt.  What shall I do now? Do I have the wherewithal to resolve this?

If we are not careful, we lose sight of God’s presence in our lives and sell ourselves short. 

Our Lord has a much higher estimation of us and our ability to transform the challenges we bump up against in our lives than we have of ourselves in those challenging moments.  He knows that nothing can separate us from his love; and that his lifegiving grace is available to each of us every moment of every day. Above all, he knows what we are capable of when we abide in him.

In the Gospel the Lord responds to the quandary his disciples face with a question.

Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” Mt 15:34

He redirects their attention to the here and now. Because it is by fully inhabiting the present moment that we are able to abide in Christ most powerfully. Jesus is also calling attention to the value of what they do have, shifting the conversation away from a perceived lack of sufficiency; thereby, resetting expectations. 

The Lord uses the little they had -seven loaves of bread and a fish – to feed thousands. He can do the same in our lives. The Lord can take the little we have and achieve great ends. We need only have faith, and take refuge in St. Paul’s refrain: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.