| PENTECOST XI August 4, 2024 “Never Hungry, Never Thirsty” These summer months are often the times of families getting together, whether for an organized reunion or because of an important life event: a wedding, baptism, birthday or anniversary. It’s also quite predictable that memories of the funny happenings of every family are recalled, and just possibly embellished a little. It might have been someone doing or saying something a little embarrassing or awkward, both adults and children, and it always got funnier in the retelling. I’m part of a blended, extended family who loves retelling the story of the patriarch, a Lutheran pastor and his wife of the time they were entertain- ing friends for dinner. The guests exclaimed over the delicious meal, and their host graciously encouraged everyone to feel free to take extra servings, saying, “There’s more in the kitchen!” Except there wasn’t — all the food was on the table. His wife, trying to send him thought waves to back off on the generosity, was on the brink of panic, but the well- mannered visitors saved her from embarrassment, assuring him that what had been served was entirely enough. It’s fun to share these stories, and for many of us, they’re very relatable. Offering refreshments is the most welcoming of gestures. From a glass of water or a cup of coffee to a full meal, this is our definition of hospitality. Throughout the Gospels, there are accounts of Jesus and the disciples being welcomed into the homes of friends and followers, where they were offered food and drink. Later, especially in the books of Acts and Romans, we learn that sharing meals and fellowship were central to congregational life in the early church. The Gospel of Matthew gathers together many of Jesus’ most basic teachings. The Golden Rule, the Beatitudes, and the Lord’s Prayer, are all included in the early chapters. As we follow the narrative, it seems that only a short amount of time elapses before increasing numbers of people are coming to hear Jesus. We read in Matthew 15 that a huge crowd had been following and listening to him, and he became concerned that they were hungry. The disciples were able to scrounge up only a few loaves of bread and some fish, but somehow everyone had something to eat and there were even leftovers. However, this occurred, what matters is that the hungry were fed, and we learn that God’s abundance is unending. When our spirits are dried up and when our hearts feel empty, we have a source that will refresh and refill us every time. We read in John’s Gospel (6:35) that Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” This assurance that we have a never-ending source of nourishment and refreshment is certainly what we need to hear on the days we feel discouraged, weary, or even hopeless. There is abundance for all, and none will be left hungry or thirsty. This, then, is both a promise and an example. As the recipients of such generosity, how can we not do likewise for those in need? So — could I get you a cup of coffee? Your friend in Christ, Mary Rogers I Am the Bread of Life https://youtu.be/dX4uC3a7RC8?si=cQ_MBX8yHVEmaG8O My Faith Looks Up to Thee https://youtu.be/CpSffgVW__w?si=UN3vholjNPxNYlxk You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore https://youtu.be/2IAZS3jtfwc?si=p9b6hr55mPBzEfJS |
Weekly Devotion – August 4, 2024
2024-08-05