Read John 6:1-13
The reason we don’t experience joy, satisfaction and fulfillment when we disadvantaged ourselves for others is because we do not put them (our ends of kindness) in the hands of Jesus. Or probably they are done with the intention of getting a reward in return, either from the recipient, others or especially from God.
It’s hard though but you can do it and feel happy, proud and joyful it without expecting anything in return as St. Francis in one of his prayers would say “give it out without counting the cost.” You never can tell my dear. Abraham entertained angels without knowing it (cf. Gen. 18:1-10). He also in Gen. 13:8-17 got himself the promised land when he disadvantaged himself for his cousin Lot.
The small boy with the five barley loves and two fish (v.9) in our reflection did just that. He gave up his lunch on this hot sunny day. He wasn’t bothered that his lunch was so small in comparison to the crowd (but Andrew how retorted that it was of no good) but was happy to put it in the hands of Jesus because the Master needs it. His sacrifice (act of love and not the five barley loaves and two fish) made the difference. Wao!, five thousand men not counting women and children were fed, and there were left overs that filled twelve baskets. Can you beat that?
My friend this miracle shows us that when we place our sacrifices no matter how little they are in the hands of Jesus, everyone will not only have their fill, but there will be an abundance left over. You don’t know where the abundance will flow into.
Don’t let your little discourage you, or even the thought of it not being appreciated. Just give it out without counting the cost or seeking any reward. Just be happy doing it by putting it in the hands of Jesus.
Friend I want us to do something different today.
The reason we don’t experience joy, satisfaction and fulfillment when we disadvantaged ourselves for others is because we do not put them (our ends of kindness) in the hands of Jesus. Or probably they are done with the intention of getting a reward in return, either from the recipient, others or especially from God.
It’s hard though but you can do it and feel happy, proud and joyful it without expecting anything in return as St. Francis in one of his prayers would say “give it out without counting the cost.” You never can tell my dear. Abraham entertained angels without knowing it (cf. Gen. 18:1-10). He also in Gen. 13:8-17 got himself the promised land when he disadvantaged himself for his cousin Lot.
The small boy with the five barley loves and two fish (v.9) in our reflection did just that. He gave up his lunch on this hot sunny day. He wasn’t bothered that his lunch was so small in comparison to the crowd (but Andrew how retorted that it was of no good) but was happy to put it in the hands of Jesus because the Master needs it. His sacrifice (act of love and not the five barley loaves and two fish) made the difference. Wao!, five thousand men not counting women and children were fed, and there were left overs that filled twelve baskets. Can you beat that?
My friend this miracle shows us that when we place our sacrifices no matter how little they are in the hands of Jesus, everyone will not only have their fill, but there will be an abundance left over. You don’t know where the abundance will flow into.
Don’t let your little discourage you, or even the thought of it not being appreciated. Just give it out without counting the cost or seeking any reward. Just be happy doing it by putting it in the hands of Jesus.
Friend I want us to do something different today.
Our prayer for today should be practical, put it into action (cf. James 2:14-26). Go out and feed somebody (if you can do two, beautiful) no matter how little for you never can tell; and as you do put it in the hands of Jesus. Remember God has blessed you to be a blessing to others.
Study Deut. 19 and sing meditatively “my hope is built on nothing less….” SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.