Sunday, August 2, 2026

Matthew 14:19-21 

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 

Matthew does not want us to miss the wonder of this moment. Everyone ate, everyone was filled, and when the meal was over, there was more left than what they had at the beginning. What began as five loaves and two fish became an overflowing sign of God’s abundance. In the hands of Jesus, scarcity did not have the final word. Grace did. 

Perhaps it is no accident that twelve baskets were gathered. Twelve tribes, twelve disciples—twelve reminds us of the people of God. The abundance that remained was not simply extra food; it was a promise. When God’s people place what they have in the hands of Christ and share it in faith, there is enough. More than enough. We are invited to trust that the same Lord who fed the crowd can also fill us with what we need and make our lives a blessing for others. 

– Pr. Paul  

Faithful God, you have blessed every gift as an act of faith—as an expression of trust. You call us to share what we have and trust that you will still provide what we need. Thank you for teaching us to trust your love for us in that way. Amen.