The Power of Giving Thanks.

Saturday 15^th February 2020. Read 1st Kings 12:26-13:34, Psalm 106 and Mark 8:1-10.

_“And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd… And they ate, and were satisfied; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. And there were about four thousand people.” *(Mark 8:6-9)*_ 

For some days now, our readings, especially our Gospel passages have been centred on the miracles of Jesus. Amongst all these miracles, the feeding of the multitude stands out as one of the most significant in that it contains so many lessons for us:

1. LEADERSHIP AS SERVICE. A good leader is compassionate. Listen to the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel passage: “I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me three days now and have nothing to eat.” A good leader feels the pulse of his people. He always puts himself in the shoes of the people.

2. NO SITUATION IS HOPELESS. When it seemed as if providing bread for the multitude was going to be a “mission impossible” Jesus asked: “How many loaves have you? Stop complaining about life, focus on the little loaves and fishes available.

3. THANKSGIVING. The feeding of the multitude by Jesus is the physical origin of the Eucharist in that Jesus performed this miracle to prepare the people for his own body and blood. Eucharist means Thanksgiving. By giving thanks, Jesus made seven loaves and a few small fish enough to feed four thousand.

Thanksgiving multiplies. When we give thanks, our little becomes enough. St. Paul writing to the Philippians says: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

4. GENEROSITY. Notice that it was only after they all ate and were satisfied that the people realized a miracle had just taken place. Dear friends, whatever you share increases. No one ever became poor by giving.

5. WASTING IS SINFUL. It is interesting to note that Jesus ordered them to gather the left-overs. Never throw food away; there would always be someone who needs it.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach me to always be grateful and to tap into the power of giving thanks. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. It is well with you. (Saturday of the 5th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1st Kings 12:26-13:34, Psalm 106 and Mark 8:1-10).