What sort of world do we live in these days? Is the wealth of the world fairly and evenly distributed? Most likely, the wealth of the world is controlled by a few, maybe about less than ten percent of the entire world’s population. Some countries have got lots of resources, but these countries are often unwilling to share such resources with poorer countries, unless there is some benefit or advantage in it for them. For example, certain countries produces more than enough grain or other foodstuff to feed many of the poor in the world, but how much of these is shared? What is the problem here? It is basically greed and selfishness. Some people only think of themselves, are unwilling to share with others, are more concerned about protecting what is theirs, and in some cases even to the point of trying to increase what they have at the expense of others. Likewise, we see the same matter in our churches. There are many people who are skilled or talented in one way or another, but some people seem to be interested in using their skill or talent only if there is some sort of benefit, advantage or perk attached. It is like as if “what’s in it for me” is more important than “how can I be of service to glorify God.” It seems quite difficult to get some people to volunteer their talent or offer their help happily and willingly, since such people rather spend time shopping, going to the movies, making holiday trips, and sleeping, than spend that time serving in the church or helping someone else. Such people prefer to take care of their own needs and have time only for themselves and not for others. But as Christians, what sort of stance or attitude should we be having?
In today’s second reading, St. Paul reminds us to “bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience.” Today’s Gospel goes further by giving us a wonderful example of the kind of miracles that may happen when one is generous to share what little we possess. Many people think that the gospel story is merely a miracle where Jesus took five barley loaves and two fish and performed a miracle so that all five thousand men (not counting the women and children) could have enough to eat. But if we look closer, we would discover that the Gospel is more than that. It is about the generosity of the small boy who offered all that he had, five loaves and two fish. The disciples were not prepared to share. They felt that they had only enough for themselves to eat. But the boy was prepared to give up his food for others. He was not embarrassed about the amount that he had. He was prepared to give all that he had, although it may seem little to others. And what did Jesus do? He did what others thought was impossible, He fed so many with so few. Miracles happen when people are willing and happy to share what they have with others. When people are willing and happy to do so, there will always be enough. When we are prepared to share, God blesses us with much more. But for those who are not willing to share because they feel as if there is not enough to go around, no matter how much they try to amass and protect their resources, there will never be enough. They will never be satisfied, even if all has been given to them.
As Christians, we are supposed to be examples to others in our families, our community and our country. We are supposed to “bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience.” But if we take a good hard look at our lives, our behaviour, our attitude, and our conduct, are we living good Christian lives and practising Christian virtues? Are we following the example of Christ? Or have we become more and more immersed with the ways of the world, where greed, power, ego, ruthlessness, selfishness, impatience, intolerance and other kinds of vices seem to be more and more dominant? What is it that ultimately matters to us: the ways of Christ, or the ways of the world? May we be wise, careful and prudent with our choice, for our eternal future and happiness is at stake.