By Deacon Timothy Siburg
Revised Common Lectionary reflection for Proper 12, Year B
July 28, 2024
Key Verse: “So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets” (John 6:13, NRSV).
There are some stories that we just know. The story of Jesus feeding thousands is one. As I ponder this story, I’m left feeling assured that there is more than enough with God and because of God. There’s not just enough with God, and we’re not just enough because God is enough. No. There is more than enough because of God.
In my thinking, I am drawn to recent family experiences. The past year has been one of saying goodbye to loved ones. In my extended family, death always seems to come in waves. We’ve had to say goodbye to four beloved family members in the last year. Thinking about each one of them, I am struck by this week’s gospel story. For each of these four members exemplified this truth that there is more than enough because of God.
Great Uncle Roger Tenney passed away late last summer. A lifelong choral director and high school choir teacher, he always believed there were more than enough voices to sing and give God praise. This was part of his vocation – so much so that it was a gift to invite him to direct a group of vocalists to sing F. Melius Christiansen’s setting of “Beautiful Savior” for Allison’s and my wedding. It’s partly because of Uncle Roger that I never believe someone when they say, “I can’t sing.” And for me as a choir director in my spare time, I deeply believe there is a place for everyone in the choir. Uncle Roger embodied the response of the people who witnessed this miracle of feeding thousands. Proclaiming through word and song, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14).
Grandma Joan Siburg passed away last September. A wonderful cook and baker who always made sure there was enough food for whatever might be needed, she was famous for her abundance of ice-cream treats in her freezers. She never knew when people might come by, so she kept on hand plenty of options for dessert. While a student in college, I enjoyed going to Grandma’s for dinner at least once a week. There was always more than enough food, and she would box up the leftovers and tell me to “feed your hungry college student friends.” She was essentially saying, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost” (John 6:12). I was never more popular at school than when I would share the abundance of Grandma’s good cooking.
Great Aunt Dorothea Tenney passed away in early July. Much like Grandma Joan, she was a consummate host and cook. There was never a shortage of food in her home, or at mealtimes. While we were in seminary, Aunt Dorothea made sure Allison and took meals with us. We happily gathered the leftovers, “and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets” (John 6:13). Okay, that might be a stretch, but not too much of one.
Uncle Mark Siburg passed away in late May. A deep believer in the importance of spreading happiness and cheer, Uncle Mark was famous for how he celebrated Christmas and provided a loving and hopeful setting for anyone, particularly those who might not have others with whom to celebrate. In how he lived and made space and welcome for others, Uncle Mark embodied the truth that in God there is more than enough. His sign of welcome was like that of Jesus who said many times, “It is I, do not be afraid” (John 6:20).
This may not be the conventional approach to a sermon, but the story of Jesus feeding the thousands is one we just know deep down. This story we know because it matters. It shows that abundance in God is real. It points to the promise that through Jesus, we will know the gift and promise of abundant life. That with Jesus, we are enough and will have enough because God is enough, and God provides and does so abundantly. And more so, with God there is more than enough. This is a stewardship truth if there ever was one and it is one that needs to be preached daily.
To bring this story alive in your preaching, perhaps you can talk about a beloved family member who, as mine did, embodied and exemplified God’s abundance. Or, even better, a beloved congregational member who is now in the company of saints in light. Explore how their lives proclaimed the Gospel, and challenge congregants to do the same.
Another approach would be to let your imagination and those of the congregation wander and wonder for a bit. Ponder the possibilities:
- What if we let ourselves imagine for a bit like we were in this story?
- What would we see and feel?
- What would we sense if we were the boy who brought the food, and Jesus made sure that it would be enough to share with everyone?
- What if we were the hundreds or thousands who didn’t bring any food with us, because we were so caught up in the excitement of Jesus, we didn’t think to bring some food for the journey?
- What if we were the disciples in this story? What would we have been thinking?
- What truths of this story of God’s abundance might we see or know through others in our own lives?
That last question is the one that seems to have grabbed hold of my imagination as I was drawn to memories of those who have passed away in the past year. I wonder what questions or imaginative possibilities might come to mind for you and your communities through this familiar but essential story of faith? Take some time with this familiar story to imagine and not just go through the motions with a story your head might know well. If you give yourself the time to wonder and imagine anew in this story, perhaps God’s abundant life might just be seen, felt, and experienced a little more in your life and in the lives of others too. As that happens, you might just remember again that there is indeed more than enough with God for you, for me, and for all.
Worship with Youth and Children
Nothing is more central to daily life for kids than food and the importance of snacks. If we’re being honest, it’s hard to imagine anyone with kids not bringing snacks or food as they went to hear Jesus preach and teach that day. In a children’s message this week, perhaps ask, “If you were going on a day trip, what snack would you bring? Would you share it?” Perhaps turn the question around and ask, “So I know you brought snacks for being at church today. What did you bring? Did you bring enough to share?” After a few seconds of reactions that would likely indicate a clear “no,” put the children at ease and say, “It’s okay. I brought snacks, and enough to share.” At that point bring out a surprise snack (if welcomed in your congregation’s setting) for everyone, and after providing hand sanitizer to each child, invite them to take the snacks out and share with the whole congregation. This might just make the story come to life in a new way as we imagine what it would have been like to stretch bread and fish to feed thousands. Invite the kids and youth to come back and share a word about their experience of that activity, and then close in prayer.
Previous reflections for Proper 12, Year B:
2018 – Enough and Then Some
2015 – A Simple Lesson in Stewardship
2012 – Bread, Water, and Signs of God
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