ENOUGH. . . AND MORE THAN ENOUGH

A few weeks ago, the Cathedral, along with St. James’ in Hartford, facilitated four days of Vacation Bible School for about 50 children and youth. As part of our worship program, we told stories of how God fed the Israelites with manna in the wilderness, and the story of how Jesus – with the help of one little boy – fed the multitude who came to him. Although all the young people picked berries at a farm on Saturday, we were a bit concerned that we would not have had enough for the one hundred or so guests of the Church Street Eats program the next day.

We live in a world where there never seems to be enough – enough time, enough money, enough goodwill. So we can understand how Philip must’ve felt when Jesus asked him about buying bread for the crowd to eat. Imagine how we would feel if Jesus asked us – as his modern day disciples – about buying bread for the people of Haiti – “the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and one of the poorest in the entire developing world.” The folks at Episcopal Relief and Development would add to our anxiety by telling us that “an estimated 80% of Haiti’s 7.9 million people live on less than US $150 a year (not a day, not a week, not a month, but a year). . . and one of every three children is chronically malnourished, and eight percent suffer from acute malnutrition; stunted growth affects 47% of children. . .”

Conventional thinking would say it’s impossible to feed so many people – because conventional thinking says that what we can see is the only reality there is. So, with one look at the crowd, Philip can see that the need is great. With an estimation of what’s needed, he calculates that even six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.

Of course, it depends on whose wages we are talking about – the single father who has been slaving at the same job for the same minimum wage – $5.15 an hour – for the last ten years, or the CEO of a major corporation, who is paid more in a week than the single father earns in a year?

I am reminded of God’s command to the Israelites in the wilderness – “gather as much manna as each of you needs” – not “gather as much manna as each of you wants.” The amazing thing was that, even though some gathered more and some less, when what they gathered was measured, “those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage.” (Exodus 16: 18). There was enough for all.
Even though most of us are willing to share what we’ve gathered with those in need, like Andrew, we might look at what we have and say, “but what are they among so many people?’

What can be done about the overwhelming needs of our world? Well, the ERD reminds us, that, “at the start of the new millennium, leaders from 191 nations, including the United States, agreed on a plan to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015. Together, they created the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – endorsed by the 73rd and 74th General Conventions – (with the very first goal being) to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger . . .”

But can one person really make a difference? I believe we can – if we bring what we have to Jesus. Remember that Jesus is the one who initiates the feeding of the crowd. He is the one who sees their need. He is the one who asks his disciples about bread for them. Like like a good Jewish host, he is the one who takes the loaves and fish, gives thanks and then shares them with his guests. And there is enough – and more than enough – for all. So Jesus is the one who makes the difference.

But can one of us make a difference? Well, during the VBS, every person who sponsored a child or gave of your time or talent – and that includes our wonderful youth counselors – made a difference. You gave some of what you had to Jesus – to further his work in the world, and in the process, you helped fifty kids learn that God hears them, sees them, cares for them, and invites them to work with God in providing for others. And that’s just one program!

And that’s good news. And here’s more good news: The ERD tells us that “fulfilling the MDGs would mean lifting more than 500 million people out of extreme poverty. More than 300 million people would no longer suffer from hunger.” And here’s even better news: they assure us that the MDGs are “attainable with the resources we have at our disposal today. . .”

God wants good things for all of God’s creation – not only in heaven, but right here on earth. . . which reminds me of the story of Sylvester - the cat who died and went to heaven. Shortly after his arrival, St. Peter came to see him. Peter asked Sylvester if everything was to his liking. Sylvester grinned happily, adding that everything was wonderful. Peter asked if there was anything else they could do for him. Sylvester’s eyes brightened – “well, there’s one thing . . .you see, when I was on earth, my owners never let me get up on the living room couch, so I would really like a nice couch.” “No problem,” said St. Peter. “I’ll have one delivered by noon.”

After leaving Sylvester’s place, Peter went to his next appointment – a newly arrived family of mice. He welcomed them, wanted to know if everything was to their liking and asked if there was anything else they wanted. They all said that there was one thing they wished they could’ve had on earth – rollerskates. So Peter had several pairs delivered to them that afternoon.

The next day, Peter ran into Sylvester. He asked how Sylvester liked heaven. “I love it! I am so grateful to you - the people are friendly, my place is comfortable, and the new couch – the new couch is great. But, I must tell you, what I like most of all are those tasty meals on wheels.”

It’s not about meals in heaven – it’s about food for all – right here on earth. . .and if each of us brings our share to Jesus, we just might be surprised at what he is able to do with it!