Matthew Kelly talks about “minimalism” as one of the traits that characterize the youth of our times. Along with “individualism” and “hedonism,” he says that so many fail to see the bigger picture out there, including the beauty and simplicity of a life of holiness on account of this tendency to minimalism in all aspects of our lives.
Minimalism is to give not of one’s whole self, but of one’s puny, little self. In school, it means doing only that which satisfies the minimum requirements to pass the course. It means not making that extra push and exerting that extra effort to excel, so as to be a cut above the rest. It means being satisfied with what is little.
Today’s Gospel (John 6:1-15) passage reminds us of the opposite of minimalism. It teaches us not about pusillanimity, but of gracious magnanimity. Although the boy only had five barley loaves and two fish, he had a big heart that spoke eloquently of untrammeled generosity.
He had five loaves and two fish. That was all he had. (He sure had a huge appetite!) But levity aside, what he had, he offered. When was the last time you really gave all you had? I bet you, if you were in his place, you would at least have probably thought of keeping half a loaf and a piece of the fish for yourself! I would certainly have done so! But no, the miracle was as much a miracle of multiplication of loaves as it was a miracle of selfless generosity.
The boy had that little treasure trove, a bagful of food that occasioned a party for five thousand (not counting women). But Philip, too, had his own little share. Apparently good at Math, he knew how much he needed. But there was Andrew, too. Apparently good at spotting talents and human and material resources, he found the boy who was willing to give all he had! And he lost no time in telling the Lord. All the Lord needed was readiness and willingness for each of them to give their all.
REFLECTION QUESTION: How ready are you to give your all when the circumstances call for it?
Lord Jesus, grant me a generous heart that does not count the cost of giving but rejoices in being able to give.
