Receive ... Trust ... Share

Dear friends on the journey,

In our early years of marriage, while raising young children, my husband and I didn’t have much money. So, when our van suddenly needed four new tires, we were stressed and unsure how we would pay for them. Then God provided. An opportunity for my husband to take on a side job appeared, and it paid exactly what we needed for the tires — no more and no less.

Perhaps this is why I have always loved today’s readings. The first reading from Isaiah when the Lord says, “Come and I will give you ... water, food, drink, and life” demonstrates God’s generous care which is echoed in the gospel story of Jesus and the apostles feeding five thousand plus people with only five loaves of bread and two fish! God’s providence in the face of a seemingly impossible situation, to human eyes, was certainly miraculous, yet it simply revealedGod’s way of caring his people. It was for me all those years ago and this “tire” moment has been a source of consolation for me ever since. I believe, as you reflect on your life, you’ll find those moments too. Trusting in God’s care does not completely take away any stress, nor excuse us from doing our work, but it is the hope and comfort that carries us through times of uncertainty.

God’s gifts are never meant to stop with us. As Jesus’ disciples, when we have received from the good Lord, we are called to then share the good news of what God has done in our lives with others, to sing the words of the Psalm, “He answers all our needs” so that our family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors — believers or not — can come to know God.

The other beautiful part of today’s Gospel is that Jesus never expected the apostles to have enough food. He met them exactly where they were — in their uncertainty, with their limited resources and imperfect faith. They simply offered what little they had, and Jesus multiplied it. The same is true for us. We don’t need theology degrees. We simply need our own story, our gifts and talents, a willingness to serve, and trust in God’s providence. Jesus will take what we offer and multiply it. Where it lands belongs to the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship is a beautiful rhythm of receiving God’s love and sharing it with others. We receive then give, just as we are but with trust that God will give us what we need. Our parish provides several opportunities to give back. Just visit www.padreserra.org/ministries to get an idea of the breadth and depth of our ministries and save the date for our upcoming ministry fair on Sundays, September 13 and 20. Today, though, we have a special invitation from Catholic Charities’ OASIS, a ministry to the seniors in our community whose mission is to enhance their quality of life while meeting their basic needs. 

This week, take a few moments to remember the ways God has provided for you — perhaps in ways you didn’t recognize at the time. Then ask God where he is inviting you to extend that same loving care to someone else.

Siempre Adelante,

​
Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate 

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