There is a sense of lavishness and luxury expressed in today's reading: God's generosity is without limits.

The prophecy from Isaiah is addressed to Israeli Captives. It is a word of reassurance that God has not deserted them.

Paul's Letter is addressed to the Church at Rome during times of great persecution to bolster confidence and trust that "nothing can separate us from God's love."

This demonstrates an interesting distinction between faith and trust. We can and should have faith at all times; in joys and in sorrows, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in poverty. But trust is something we have only when the sky is cloudy or dark as night -- when we feel helpless.

In the gospel, Matthew shows us the example of Jesus' concern for all of our needs; Physical, emotional, and spiritual. The needs of the crowds were vast. He had spent the whole day ministering, healing. Certainly he could have healed all at once with one inclusive prayer; but in ministering Jesus enters into personal relationship. There are no incidents of mass healings recorded in the gospel.

It is now evening; whatever lunches they may have brought have been consumed. It is suppertime and a deserted place. There are no McDonalds or KFC's. Jesus’ heart is moved with mercy (not pity which is only a feeling; and often without any action).

Jesus invites the disciples to share in this ministry of mercy. More than an invitation; it is a command - "Give them something to eat, yourselves". Those who accept the call and the values of Jesus must also share in the generosity of Jesus even to the point of exhaustion.

Here we have another demonstration of trust. It is impossible; there are just too many. We don't have enough money. There's no place to procure provisions. Excuses, Excuses, Excuses. Of course it seems impossible; I'm sure that every pastor and parish council in the diocese understood these feeling when first presented with Project Renew for the celebration of our Diocesan Centennial. It's overwhelming. But we also remind ourselves that nothing is impossible with God.

The true test of trust is love. Trust does not mean that God will push the clouds or the dark of night away. It means that He will lead us, taking our hands, holding our hands, using our hands to give of ourselves--trust leads to love.

After Jesus blesses the food, it is His disciples who reach into the basket and distribute. Did the baskets all overflow as Jesus said the prayer of blessing? Or perhaps as each piece was removed and handed to a person there were suddenly two pieces to replace them.-- that's multiplication.

Have you ever made an extra effort to respond to a particular charitable collection or agency and then found yourself with a raise of a winning scratch or lottery ticket? Or is perhaps more your attitude to promise when I win the lottery -- the big one -- then I’ll give some to charity.

God's generosity knows no limit. There is always more than enough. But what about our own generosity? Is there ever enough? What do we do with our leftovers?