Thursday, July 30, 2026

Matthew 14:15-16 

15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 

What Jesus said next must have startled the disciples: “You give them something to eat.” It is easy to move quickly past these words because we know the miracle that is coming. But before the bread is multiplied, Jesus first gives an invitation. He draws the disciples into the work of compassion and asks them to see the hungry crowd not as a problem to send away, but as people to love and serve. 

Jesus deepens our understanding of compassion. Compassion is more than noticing need or offering good advice from a distance. It is the willingness to stay, to share what we have, and to trust that Christ can use even our limited gifts. When Jesus says, “You give them something to eat,” he is also speaking to us: bring what you have, however small it seems, and let my love pass through your hands. 

– Pr. Paul  

Loving God, when you invited us into a relationship with you, you invited us to join you in the work of loving. Help our hearts take joy for the opportunity to participate in such holy work. Amen.