Scriptures: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-22; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21
Reflection by Nancy Jo Bleier, Worship Leader
8/2/26 10 Pentecost Morning Prayer
Matt: 14: 13-21
I read “the rest of the story” in the Daily Sitka Sentinel this week about a boat coming down Sitka Channel and anchoring off the UAS ramp. Some scruffy fishermen rowed ashore. Pretty soon the whole area from the Coast Guard on both ends, thru MEHS and SEARHC were filled up with people - families, women, kids, men. Some brought chairs they still had out from a local parade. UAS brought out more chairs plus tables. Many put the word out on FaceBook that some guy called Jesus was healing the sick at SEARHC.
I happened to be at an appointment at SEARHC so decided I better go down toward the water to see what was happening. I had heard that Jesus had been preaching good news in other villages in SouthEast Alaska. As we know rumors move quickly thru social media, amateur/
HAM radio and CB radio.
An obituary was in the paper this week for his cousin, John the Baptist. John who was in prison had his head cut off on the order of Herod. His disciples had buried him and let Jesus know. The word was Jesus had gone away on a boat most likely to grief the loss of this great man.
It became evening so his fishermen friends said “let’s send everyone on their way to find their own food and we’ll go to the Pioneer Bar”. Jesus said “they don’t need to go; we’ll feed them. But the fishermen said “all we have is 5 sourdough loaves and 2 leftover fish.” So this Jesus blessed the food, broke it up and asked his friends to hand it all out. Somehow this guy doesn’t believe in scarcity as there were 12 totes full of leftovers that went to Sitkans Against Family Violence, Salvation Army and other places. They had folks counting the crowd and they came up with most of Sitka plus another 2,000 from the ships in town came down to hear this Jesus.
There were no picket signs, no flags flying and no guns reported. Everyone was happy and grateful for the words of hope and food. Those who felt their own healing were ecstatic.
One woman told the newspaper reporter she couldn’t believe how humble this Jesus was. He was quite outstanding she said because you could feel his aura, like a light shining all around him. And he was appropriately wearing Xtra-tufs. She said he made his message clear that God was the one everyone could count on.
The reporter noted he quoted the Psalmist; 'The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and of great kindness…The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand and satisfy the needs of every living creature…”
Later I heard after the meal he insisted his fishermen friends go back to the boat to move back up Peril Strait. They said he took off walking up Gavin Hill to be by himself.
So it's now Sunday in our present day ordinary time…how do these scriptures affect each one of us.. We are in a church sanctuary built to honor God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Are we witnesses to his stories today? Would we be grateful for hearing in person his parables or irritated that he talked in circles.
What jumped out to me reading Matthew was Jesus’ compassion for healing of the ill wherever he traveled. Most of all for knowing everyone was hungry and the community needed to be fed not just with words but with real food. And he had a Divine Power to make this happen.
Did you know this story is found in all four gospels?
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:31-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-15
The story varies some in each gospel. In John this story is considered the 4th sign in Jesus’ ministry. The 1st sign was Turning Water into Wine, the 2nd sign Healing the Royal Official’s son and the 3rd sign was Healing the Man from Bethesda.
Historical context - the time period of the miracle of feeding the 5,000+ occurred during the early ministry of Jesus, in the first century AD. This was a time of Roman occupation in Judea, with significant social and political tensions.
Jesus' Ministry - Jesus was gaining recognition as a healer and teacher, attracting large crowds. His teachings often focused on compassion, mercy, and the Kingdom of God.
Cultural Context - The event took place near Bethsaida, a rural area known for its natural resources. The setting was significant as it was a desolate place, emphasizing the miracle's impact.
Social Dynamics - The crowd consisted of thousands, including men, women, and children, highlighting the communal aspect of Jesus' ministry. The miracle reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and sharing food in Jewish tradition.
Religious Significance - The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels, underscoring its theological importance. It demonstrates Jesus' compassion for the needy and serves as a sign of his divine authority. (Suggestions from CSLewis Institute and Wikipedia.)
So let us be challenged to feed as many as we can in this world where starvation is real every day for so many children and adults.
Locally we can donate food to the Salvation Army Food Bank and SAFV. St Peter’s also collects to give to these groups. In Sitka for those who are facing food insecurity, ALFA (alfafish.org) is donating locally caught fish in late July/early August.
Those of you on Zoom elsewhere will have local places to give too. Other well known groups are: No Kid Hungry; World Central Kitchen; Feeding America; Food for the Poor; Catholic Relief Services; Episcopal Relief & Development; World Food Program USA; and UN World Food
Programme.
Famine is real as it's related to climate change and wars. These groups have been trying to get rid of the famine that exists in our world but they need help.
So going forward: How will you help in giving out the good news of love which includes food?
Amen.
Nancy Jo Bleier, Worship Leader