Homily for Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Today's Gospel tells a well-known story of Jesus feeding a large crowd with just five barley loaves and two fish and having twelve wicker baskets of leftovers when it was all done.

There's a rather important detail to this story that is often overlooked. Where did Jesus get the five loaves and two fish with which he performed the miracle?

He got them from a small boy. The boy didn't have much but gave what he had, and the LORD did all the rest.

There is an essential truth in that detail: God relies on our cooperation for His will to be carried out. We need to offer our gifts, as meager as they may seem. God will take our actions, talents, and efforts and make great things of them, especially when it comes to feeding the poor, finding shelter for the homeless, caring for the sick, standing up for the oppressed, and bringing God's love, mercy, and providence to those who need it the most.

As we reflect on this story, let us remember that our mission on earth is not accomplished through our own strength alone. Through God's grace, our efforts are multiplied, and our mission is completed. Let us, therefore, pray that we will always be willing to use our gifts and talents for the good of others, trusting in God's grace to bring about His will.