“Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” -John 6:11
Today is the first of five Sundays with Gospel readings from John 6, and the first Sunday of our Sermon Series on the Sacrament of Communion. Today we read how Jesus feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish.
What we have, what we bring to Jesus’ table, seems like it is not nearly enough to meet all the needs we see around us. But it is not the adequacy of our supplies or our skills that finally makes the difference: it is the power of Jesus working in the littlest and least to transform this world into the world God desires, a world where all the hungry are satisfied.
Sunday Worship Music
In our Traditional worship services the Hymn of the Day is We Come To The Hungry Feast (ELW 479). The feeding of a large crowd becomes an even greater task as we sing of our own coming to the feast. We hunger for peace and an end to hunger, knowing that God’s feast is more than enough to satisfy all.
In our New Day Praise service the Worship Song is Chris Tomlin’s The Wondrous Cross. It is a new take on a beloved song. With lyrics, “Oh the wonderful Cross, oh the wonderful Cross, All who gather here by grace, draw near and bless Your name,” we are reminded of the ways Christ gathers us in and blesses us.
Sermon Theme
“It’s more than just about bread!”
For Further Reflection
The meals which Jesus is recorded as sharing during his earthly ministry proclaim and enact the nearness of the Kingdom.
Think about the greatest meals you have shared with loved ones. How was God present in those meals?
As Lutherans, we believe in the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the bread and wine. We often say Christ is “in, with, and under” the elements. We hear Jesus promise, “This is my body…this is my blood…”
How does this happen? One may call it a holy mystery!
So how are you with mystery and trusting in Jesus’ promises?
