Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men. (Mark 6: 39-44)

We are offered a land overflowing with milk and honey. When wine is wanted for a wedding Jesus provides 120 gallons of the very best. At the end of a long day a picnic is provided that goes far beyond what is needed.

God's intention is abundant. To participate in this abundance we must learn to see beyond the practical limitations of time, place, and resource. We must choose to reach beyond this kingdom and begin living in the Kingdom of God.

We must also understand the sort of abundance that God intends. In the gospel of John the 5000 present at the miracle did not understand. They wanted Jesus to become an earthly king and they asked him to provide free bread.

Jesus responded that he was the bread of life and he taught, "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." (John 6: 27)

Dear God give us this day our daily bread: both physical and spiritual. Help us to become agents of your abundance in this kingdom and in this way learn to abide more and more in your heavenly kingdom.