First Wednesday of Advent: Blessed, Broken, and Shared

“Then he took the seven loaves and the 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.  They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.”  – Matthew 15:36-37

I have always been able to relate to Jesus’ first disciples. They were not the most talented, educated, popular, or holiest people. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and sinners who knew of their shortcomings well. I am always in awe when I realize that God has not only called ordinary people like me to become His daughter or His son – He has called us to be His friends and disciples.

As I read, I placed myself in today’s Gospel reading. I had just witnessed Jesus cure the blind, give speech to the mute, and taught the lame to walk. I have heard Him teach the Good News to the crowds as we walked across the desert… Yet I became concerned when Jesus asked me to feed His followers. There were so many of them! My friends and I searched among the crowd, but all we had was a little boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish. The little boy was willing to share his lunch with all of us. Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and multiplied it. He gave it to His disciples to give to the crowd. So it is with us, dear friends. We are to offer ourselves to be blessed, broken, and shared. God will always multiply what we give.

God can even use the humblest actions and talents to help build His kingdom. In the break room at work, I can clean up the used coffee cups and napkins as an act of service to God and to others. I can sacrifice a little sleep in the morning to offer my run as a prayer for my friends going through tough times. I can share my testimony, with all of the victories, miracles, faults, and failures, to help encourage someone else. God sees it all. If we offer it up to Him, He can use it for good.

What can I give to God today to be blessed, broken, and shared? How can I be of service to others today? Is there anyone I know who is suffering? (There is always someone if we pay close enough attention). How can I pray for them?

Reese Nguyen