Read: John 6:13-15

So they . . . filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves. (v. 13)

It is tempting to seek power or security so we can feel safe from want or worry. The crowd in John 6 succumbed to this when they tried to make Jesus king by force so he would continue to feed them. We’d never do anything like that today when we feel insecure and unsafe, would we? Yet sometimes aren’t we afraid that if we don’t keep as much power, money, or food for ourselves as we can, we will be left wanting?

Our fear of scarcity can keep us from sharing God’s love. Often, loving others well requires a personal sacrifice, such as sharing a meal with somebody in need or giving an afternoon to offer support to someone. This can feel difficult because it requires us to trust that there will be enough time, energy, or resources left to meet our own needs.

As Communion people, we are invited to see the world as a place of abundance rather than scarcity. When we receive the bread and wine, we are reminded of God’s abundant love for us and that his love will not leave us wanting. This means sharing what we have with others because we trust that God can provide more than enough. It also means receiving what we need from others because God’s love is passed from person to person just as the broken pieces of bread are passed from hand to hand. —Amy Curran

Prayer: Jesus, teach us to trust your abundance by giving and receiving your love without holding back.