Homily for the Memorial of St. John Neumann

In the encounter we witness in this morning’s Gospel passage, Jesus struggled to get His disciples to become trusting, generous givers, people who work to create results that help those in need.

 

Faced with a large, hungry crowd, rather than find a way to help them, Jesus’ disciples asked Him to send the people away to fend for themselves. But Jesus asked for a different approach, “Give them some food yourselves.” He was saying, “Take some responsibility for these needy people; don’t just wish them away.” He pushed His disciples into doing something for the people, no matter how small. Eventually, they found five loaves and two fish, minimal resources indeed. But with those few resources, they fed the crowd.

 

According to Jesus, the willingness to do something, no matter how small it may seem, the readiness to give something, no matter how little it is, can bear rich fruit. The LORD can take our giving, no matter how small, and do great things through it. The Gospel encourages us to be giving people, even when we seem to have little to offer and the situation we are facing seems beyond us. He will see that our efforts will bear fruit.+