Surely goodness and mercy follow me
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
First Week of Advent
Matthew 15:29-37
Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them … Later, Jesus said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.”… He took seven loaves and a fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied.”
Just a few days into Advent, and already Jesus is opening my heart. What a story! Three days in the wilderness with Jesus, healed and whole, hungry for the living word, and then he sits me down and feeds me the finest food I’ve ever eaten. Even without the Old Milwaukee, it doesn’t get any better than this.
Taste, and see that the Lord is good. Today’s psalm evokes memories of the feast: “Thou preparest a table for me in the presence of mine enemies.” Not just memories … my gratitude fills my mouth with the flavors and fullness of sweet bread and warm salty fish. “The Lord is my shepherd,and I shall not want.”
On a fine clear day a hundred years ago, in a moment of great clarity, G. K. Chesterton wrote, “Gratitude is the highest form of thought.” Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and said, “This is my body, given for you.” Those words came later, at the “last” supper, but he might well have said it today too. Jesus says it all the time. He thanks his father, and then gives himself away.
The “humiliation” of Jesus is every day complete. When God humbles himself to become bread so we can be filled, I am overwhelmed with thanks and joy and peace. What a fine clear day this is!
You turn the desert into garden, Lord, just because you long for us to eat. Thank you. You repair my cuts and bruises, fill me over and over with the breath of life, because you love to watch me living my life. Thank you. I love you.
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