In today’s first reading, James reminds us, “all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” His words pull our attention away from the illusion of self-sufficiency and reorient our hearts towards God, the true source of all that sustains us. In Ignatian spirituality, this moves us toward the grace of faith as we trust that God will indeed provide and gratitude as we open our eyes to God’s continuous work in our lives.
The Gospel from Mark deepens these themes when the disciples realize that they only have one loaf of bread in the boat. Rather than remembering the abundance that they witnessed when Jesus fed thousands with the loaves and fishes, they seem to panic about this physical scarcity. Jesus challenges them, “Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened?”
Ignatius would invite us to pause and enter the scene. What stirs within us as we watch the disciples worry? How do we see ourselves in the scene? When we experience God’s generosity, how often do we fall back into fear or worry the next time we feel insecure?
The miraculous feedings of the crowds were never just about bread and fish. They were signs that God provides for us. We do not need to be dependent on our own limited resources, but on God’s limitless love for us. Jesus calls the disciples and us to remember and trust.
Today, we can prayerfully reflect on where we are experiencing scarcity or insecurity in our lives. Is it a scarcity of time, energy, clarity, or hope? We can remember what “miracles” God has done in our own lives and we can ask God for the gift of faith that He will continue to provide for us.
Margo Minnich
Margo Minnich, Associate Professor at Creighton University College of Nursing, integrates her passion for public health nursing and professional development with her commitment to Ignatian spirituality. Rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, she strives to live a life of service, compassion, and reflection, promoting holistic well-being in the communities she serves. In her professional work, Dr. Minnich aligns the core values of public health nursing with Ignatian principles, emphasizing social justice and the dignity of every person.
