Daily Gospel Reflection for January 7, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:34-44

Today’s Gospel, one of the stories of the multiplication of loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes, features Mark’s straightforward, almost journalistic recording of the facts. As I read this account, it is just what I need, a succinct telling of a most remarkable miracle.  

I love this passage because God takes our “not enough” and turns it into a feast.  

Everyone is tired; the disciples are somewhat incredulous at the thought of feeding the people who have gathered to hear Jesus. In fact, it seems an impossibility to provide food for everyone, and certainly a drain on their resources to handle it themselves. And yet, the hunger experienced by the people gathered there, both spiritual and physical, cannot be ignored. Jesus sees their need and in His compassion, provides for them, not just a bite to tide them over, but a true feast in such abundance that the leftovers fill twelve baskets.  

Jesus took the humble offering of five loaves and two fish and He blessed it. He blessed it. And in that blessing, there’s more than enough for everyone.  

How often do we feel like we don’t have enough — time, patience, energy, perhaps even will? Yet, when we place our little offerings into His hands, Jesus multiplies them. Our distracted prayers, our words, our half-hearted attention — He takes them and somehow makes them enough for the moment.  

The disciples learned that day to depend, not on their resources, but on His. And so do we. Next time you feel like you’re running on empty, remember this Gospel moment. Offer up your meager scraps, and watch Jesus transform them into a feast. 

Ponder:

How often do we feel like we don’t have enough — time, energy, patience, perhaps even will? 

Pray:

Lord, help me to trust that what I have is enough when placed in Your hands.

Copyright 2025 Maria Morera Johnson