But the hungry multitude is still with us, crying out for the basic necessities of life. Not many of us have experienced the pangs of real hunger which darkens the mind and forces an honest person to become a thief. Our problem is that we have too much food. The inclination to be selfishness is strong. The more we have the more we want.

We can draw inspiration from the generosity of the young boy. It is in our little efforts that God chooses to produce his greatest miracles. Our own barley loaf and fish may be the small amount we set aside as a family for the poor. On its own, the contribution may seem insignificant but multiplied around a caring community it can be a miracle.

Thankfulness for what we have got, can be a beginning. Every day we live in this world is a miracle of God's divine providence, much greater than the feeding of the multitude, but because it happens with such regularity we give it no thought. This story should make us think about thanking God not only for our food but for the many blessings and benefits that come our way and which we take so much for granted.

Stay safe and well always.

Fr. Arsenio