Well, ok, so the story doesn't exactly go like that, but when I hear this story, I confess I always think of my friend C. When he was "between wives", as they say, he used to be the world's most pathetic bachelor. He once invited me over with what I still think is the most lame but truthful invitation I've ever heard.... to "come fix me some supper and let me keep the leftovers...I'm lonesome AND hungry..." (GEE! What a deal!) I remember opening his fridge and seeing a half empty carton of leftover Chinese food, a stick of butter, a bottle of hot sauce, and a can of beer. I remember thinking, "And what the hell was I supposed to fix this supper WITH??????"
Well, and the inside of C.'s fridge is what always comes to mind when I hear the story of feeding the multitude. I think the disciples, when Jesus asked for their food, all looked at each other with what I can only describe as the "WTF?" look..."He wants us to feed all of THEM...with THIS????"
Well, and in my mind, the miracle of this story was not "magic." I don't believe Jesus did a special magic trick to make this happen. Personally, I believe the crowed ponied up in a way not totally understood.
Ok, imagine the first row at this so-called "feed". They are looking at the five loaves and two fishes and thinking, "Is that Jesus dude crazy? He can't possibly feed all these people with THAT..." So when the food comes by, a couple guys in the front row whisper to each other...
"Psst...hey, you got a stash of food?"
"Yeah, I got a dried fish and a heel of bread."
"Throw it in. I have some dry beef. I'll put that in."
Then someone in the row behind them sees the goings on...
"Hey, Moishe, that asshole Yitzak up there just gave a dried fish! I'm better than that joker, I'll put all THREE of my loaves in, just because I won't be shown up by that mumzer!"
Well, and you get the drift. For whatever reason, good or bad, suddenly the pokes and stashes of this hungry crowd began to open, and by the time it's all over, there's food to spare.
I am sure some people will argue with my version of this miracle, and might even consider it blasphemous, but I really don't care. I think my version is every bit as miraculous, because it illustrates just how powerful the miracles you and I can produce by giving of ourselves are. Jesus doing a magic trick with bread and fishes doesn't teach me that.
The key part of this story is this: The disciples gave all they had, and trusted Christ, even when there was no reason to trust him, and no evidence that what they were giving wasn't the most foolish thing they ever did, and they reaped a bounty because of it. Can I be brave enough to give all I have to Christ and trust against the odds? Can I avoid the trap of thinking my meager collection of loaves and fishes are "not enough"? Can I live outside the realm of what I absolutely know to be true? Can I be prepared to accept the bounty of this way of life with gratitude, or will I need to figuratively "throw a rock" at it? Good questions for all of us!
Ok, sorry about the "non-inclusive language" but I didn't write the quiz, ok? You’re St. Jerome! You’re a passionate Christian, fiercely devoted to Jesus Christ and his Church. You are willing to labor long hours in the Lord’s vineyard, and you have little patience with those who are less willing or able to work as you do. Your passions often carry you into temptation zones of wrath, lust, and pride. Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers!
Turns out, after taking the Quiz, I am....
Many thanks to Robert of Musings of an Episcopal Padre for this link...
Looks like MadPriest is back up and running. Turns out that Blogger had some issues for several blogs over the last few days, not his. Well, I'm glad he's back in the blogosphere, for one!
Over on Wounded Bird, Mimi posts the following:
OCICBW... got attacked by a particularly vicious troll last night. It was so bad I had to close down the comments overnight.
He seems to have got his revenge by reporting me as a spam blog to Blogger and they have blocked my blog. I have asked for reinstatement but it's taking up to a week to sort out at the moment.
Would you please notify people of this on your blog and tell them to put it on their blogs. I don't want them thinking I've done a runner or been disappeared by the Church Police.
Jonathan
I have no idea how to contact Blogger to request they flog the Troll, not Jonathan. The help page...well...isn't. But I'm willing to hear suggestions....
Ok, I basically consider Tarot cards hokum but it is still kind of a fun quiz, just like when you go to the French Quarter you have to get your fortune read "just 'cuz"....
You are Strength
Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.
This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.
Hey, how come I never find a Cheeto shaped like a crucifix in MY bag? MadPriest had posted this (along with some other interesting apparitions) today.
Indexed also has a great analysis of the phenomenon...
I just have two questions:
1. Will it ward off vampires?
2. Do you bite the head off first, like you do a chocolate bunny? Or are you in trouble for doing it that way?
I just saw on MadPriest's blog that Elizabeth Kaeton's mom Lydia has passed away. Elizabeth, as you know, is the author of the blogosphere's Telling Secrets. Her mom has been in ill health for some time, so it is not totally unexpected, but as you know, these things are never quite "expected," either.
Please take a moment to pray for Elizabeth, Lydia, and family. Elizabeth is one of my heroines of the blogosphere and "damn good clergy" from what I can tell from a distance! She could use your prayers.
