JOIN IN

John 4:7-10; Ps 72 Lord, every nation on earth will adore you; Mark 6:34-44

Today we read the account of the multiplication of the loaves and the fish from St. Mark's prospective.  It is always a fascinating look into the early manifestations and miracles that surround the life of Jesus.

As Jesus teaches and shares the people grow hungry and in his desire to tend to their needs he responds to the disciples request to dismiss them, "Give them some food yourselves."

Striking I think how God always wants to involve us though he really doesn't need us.

"Give them some food yourselves."

But it what the disciples say next that is so striking and true: "But they said to him, 'Are we to but 200 days wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?"

What is it about us that always looks for a way out, and excuse to avoid commitment rather than a reason to get involved and a way in.

Why do we seek a "But…" when Jesus invites us to join in.  

Here is a little quote from St. Joh of the Cross that might be helpful as we analyze our own refusals.

"Only one attachment…to which the spirit is actually or habitually bound is enough to hinder the experience…of the delicate and intimate delight of the spirit of love, which contains eminently in itself all delights.”  

This quote of St. John of the Cross was in an essay addressing fears which keeps us from God.

What are those attachments that keep us from joining in?