Lent Week Four—Monday
Psalm 89:1-18 Jeremiah 16:10-21 Romans 7:1-12 John 6:1-15
Feeding of the 5,000; the only miracle recorded by all four gospels. What an amazing accomplishment, read by all, going unchallenged…until it was. It was about 50 years ago when our Day School Headmaster offered a point of view that was new to me. As I look back, his rendition of the story has become a steppingstone of growth for me.
Pete suggested–No, he seemed positive–that the lad with barley loaves and fish set the example that day for those around him and continues to do so to this day. As the lad offered what he had, others began to reach into their bags and pockets and offered up what they had brought. Let me confess, I was stunned by Pete’s interpretation—almost angry; had a lively conversation with a friend about it..maybe more. Now, I feel nothing but gratitude for that steppingstone and all the other stones that have become mine right here under the roof at St. Marks. I have learned that the Bible is filled with metaphors that teach truth, and only sometimes facts. I have learned that just because it didn’t happen, doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
Lately, from all sides, I am learning that we become our choices. The lad and Jesus chose kindness, generosity, and love as a way of being in the world. Shall we follow their example?
Rosemary P. Lafargue
The Carpenter's Nail 