It was my turn to help with the weekday lunch club at church, and it was evident that we were going to have a full house that day. A fellow volunteer looked out into the hall, counted 80 guests and announced that more people were on the way. The kitchen workers eyed each other nervously since the menu had been prepared with a modest crowd in mind. Slowly, we began to prepare the plates and serve them to the guests. When we finally looked up, we realised with amazement that every guest had been served. To our even greater surprise, we had enough food to offer second helpings.

When I think back on this event, I am reminded of Jesus feeding the multitudes. On that day in the kitchen we, like the disciples of Jesus, worried that we could not feed everyone. In the end, just as it was 2,000 years ago, God provided for our guests.

It is our human nature to worry that we might not have enough – enough food or time or money or talent. So we can become too afraid to give at all. But God is the great provider. When we are afraid, it is important to remember to put our trust in him and simply ‘give them something to eat’.

Prayer: O God, may we never tire of finding ways to feed those who are hungry. May all who hunger be filled. Amen