Where Can We Buy Enough Food?

Where Can We Buy Enough Food?

April 12, 2013

Friday of the Second Week of Easter

By Melanie Rigney

(Gamaliel, a Pharisee, told the Sanhedrin :) “Have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord. (Psalms 27:4)

The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” (John 6:4-9)

Piety

Lord, quiet my heart and open my ears that I might listen to you, rather than anticipate what you’re going to say.

Study

It was a simple question, really. As John’s Gospel notes, Jesus already knew how he was going to feed the crowd. Still, he asked Philip where they might buy enough food. He didn’t ask how much money it would take, which was the question Philip answered. He also didn’t ask if there was any food nearby, which was the question Andrew answered.

Sometimes, we answer God’s rhetorical questions in a manner similar to the two apostles. He asks, “How can we walk more closely?” and we natter on about how busy we are with our family, work, and other obligations. He asks, “Where can we go to find help for the afflicted?” and we talk about the social services and parish ministries in which we’re not engaged that assist the homeless, the hungry and the dispossessed.

Just as the questions are simple, so are the answers, at least in theory: “I trust you and have faith in your wisdom and love. Show me my little part, and I’ll do it.” May we find the courage to listen to what we’re being asked… and to let down our barriers so God can use us as he desires to do his work.

Action

Consider the miracles of the loaves and fishes. What might Andrew and Philip have thought or said to Jesus after the meal was complete? What would you have said? How would the incident have changed the way you thought about your friend?