Today's Reading: St. John 6:1-15
Daily Lectionary: Genesis 41:28-57; Mark 11:20-33
“And so Jesus took the loaves and when He gave thanks, He gave them to the ones sitting and likewise with the fish, as much as they wanted.” (St. John 6:11)
Happy Lent! In the name of Jesus. Amen. Well, this is a familiar sight: God is on a mountain feeding His people! He’s giving bread from heaven—bread that doesn’t end. Just like the Lord did in the Old Testament, right down to there being no leftovers! Rejoice and be glad! The very God who rumbled on the mountain is passing out the fish po’boys.
That’s all well and fine, but I’m hungry. I’m tired. I’m unappreciated and despised. I can’t take another step. I’ve run out even the energy to smile one more happy-Lenten smile.
The Israelites were just like us. They were concerned about surviving the day. They rubbed their bellies, sought some immediate comfort. They begged for bread, He gave them manna. They begged Him for meat and He gave them quail. But that wasn’t enough for them. Salvation and faith weren’t enough. They wanted real things, things that would change their lives. As a result, all of them, every last one, died in the wilderness.
The Lord has compassion on His people—even the five thousand in today’s Gospel. He fed them. He made sure they got home and when they got home and were hungry, they sought after Him again. Who wouldn’t want a Lent filled with never-ending fish sandwiches?
What about you? Will you be satisfied with a filled belly for today? He can give you that. But He has more. He has daily bread that will not spoil. He has meat, real meat, His flesh, given for the life of the world.
Take eat, and live forever. Whoever eats His flesh, drinks His blood, has life and He will raise you up on the Last Day. Turn from your sins. Leave your despair behind. He has come to you to feed you, to care for you, to forgive you, and to put the smile back on your face.
Yes, God’s doing it again! He’s on the mountain feeding His people—five thousand from five loaves of bread and two fish. You know He’s got more than just bread and fish, don’t you? Jesus has salvation. He’s putting it in your mouth today at His Supper and giving you Lenten joy that will last to eternal life. Happy Lent! In the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your childrenand provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartilyacknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” (Collect for Laetare)