John 6:1-11

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” vs. 9

When we become aware of the massive hunger issues facing our world our first reaction is not so different from that of Andrew. We wonder how it’s possible for our meager resources to even make a dent in such an enormous need. There’s no way, we think to ourselves. There are too many hungry people and our assets are too few, and besides, as Jesus once said, the poor are always going to be with us. But the truth is, there is plenty of food in the world! And even if there are always going to be poor people, there’s no reason that they should go hungry. As the psalmist has told us, the Lord has provided enough for all. It’s been said many times: the problem is not that the Lord is stingy. God is good but the distribution system we humans have devised to provide for basic needs broke a long time ago, and we haven’t yet figured out how to fix it. Or as some are convinced, we know how to fix the problem, we just don’t have the collective will to do it. The one hope in this whole sorry mess is that there are thousands of groups and individuals who are making a difference. They’re taking their loaves and fishes to Jesus and putting them at his disposal, and their offerings are feeding millions.

Thought for the Day: What’s the answer to the problem of world hunger?