Food for All

Gospel: Matthew 15: 29-37

In this version of the multiplication story it is Jesus who takes the initiative to feed the hungry masses who have followed him out to a deserted place in the northern regions of Galilee.  They came out there to see him and in order to be healed of their infirmities.  People from every walk of life, every race and nationality and religious persuasion came to him with every variety of affliction and ailment, demon and whatever else that possessed them.

Jesus healed every single one of them without distinction.  When he was finished healing and liberating them, he set about to feed every single person as well.  He did so without creating arbitrary categories of worthiness or deservedness.  No one was excluded from the love and care of Jesus.  Everyone received healing, liberation, and nourishment.  There is not one instance of Jesus ever turning anyone away from the table or from himself.

We have a lot to learn from Jesus.  We love to create categories of exclusion, arbitrary notions of what makes a person worthy to receive care or the Eucharist.  Jesus only had one requirement - are you in need of healing, are you hungry?  There are no legals and illegals, no worthies and unworthies in the kingdom of God and in Jesus' circle of care.  There are just people who are sick and ailing, people who are hungry.  Let us do as Jesus did and care for all without distinction.