Scarcity is a function of an illusion
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37
Summary
Scarcity is life is an ever present danger. Many around the world worry for the quantity of food and water, availability of medicine and education, and the lack of balanced autonomy and protection. It is a matter that consumes much time by all of us. It is a real problem based upon an illusion.
- For those who have little, an effort to secure it.
- For those with plenty, an effort to preserve it.
When these instincts collide, madness.
There is another way. I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. On that day, the day of faith in the Lord, a new life if given. A new perspective and a new reception of the blessings intended for all.
On that day it will be said:
"Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!
This is the LORD for whom we looked;
let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!"
For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.
Reflection
In our gospel reading today we encounter two short stories. The Healing of Many People and The Feeding of the Four Thousand. These two follow the story of The Canaanite Woman’s Faith. These three stories outline the actions and promise of the Almighty for all people. (Three stories here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/15?21)
- The benevolence of the Lord extends from the Israelites and to the Gentiles.
- He healed them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.
- He miraculously feeds them.
Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
The seven baskets full of fragments has many additional significant meanings. The priest, deacon or acolyte carefully purifies the sacred vessels, consumes the minor fragments and preserves in the Tabernacle the whole Eucharist breads for the sick and dying – those usable to be present at the Mass. We take our instruction from this sacred scripture. Foundational understanding is that the seven baskets full represents the needs of the entirety of Creation (corresponding to the seven days of creation).
- 7 loaves.
- 7 full baskets remain.
Plenty for everyone and every living thing.
nom nom nom!
Personal Reflection
This scripture portion reminds me of an essential but hard to grasp fact: there is plenty for everyone. There is enough food, water, clean air, land to farm, places to work, live life and to lay our heads and every need from the medicines to the perfection of our gifts. This is the promise of the Lord. What we do with all these blessings is the problem.
Scarcity is an illusion brought on by fear and greed. How can this be? It is a veil.
On this mountain he will destroy
the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations.
Even more so…
He will destroy death forever.
The Lord GOD will wipe away
the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove
from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.
Stop believing the illusion of Scarcity! Share! Give! Anticipate the complete fulfillment of the baskets full! In the meanwhile, learn to share.
Palm Beach County Food Bank
Maranatha, Come, Lord, Come!
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120424.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry