5th Century Mosaic, Near Capernaum

Friends,

One thing I’ve learned in these first months of welcoming a baby into our home is how quickly you can reach the point where you think, “I don’t have anything left to give.” A late-night feeding, a tired morning, another full day ahead, and suddenly the question becomes: Do I have enough energy for this?

Maybe you know that feeling in your own way. Not enough time. Not enough resources. Not enough strength.

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21), the disciples look at a hungry crowd and see scarcity. Jesus sees people. Moved by compassion, he tells them, “You give them something to eat.”

Jesus doesn’t ask them to create abundance on their own. He simply asks them to offer what they have. In Christ’s hands, even small gifts become a blessing for many.

As we worship and gather around the Communion table this Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to move from scarcity to abundance and trust that God can multiply what we bring: our gifts, our compassion, and our courage to join Christ in feeding the hungry, welcoming the overlooked, and standing with those on the margins.

I hope to see you this Sunday.

Alongside you,

Pastor Paul