We have no idea of the value of the gifts that have been put into our hands.
The TV show “Antiques Roadshow” features people bringing items from home to be evaluated by experts. Often they are amazed to find that something of incredible value has been in their possession for years, without them even noticing it.
In fact, every gift we have has unimaginable value, because it comes to us from God. When we take any gift and place it in God’s hands, its true value comes to light.
That is what happens in today’s Gospel. Surrounded by the large hungry crowd, Jesus puts his disciples to the test. It is not a pass/fail test, but an invitation to discover the true value of what they hold in their hands. And the most valuable thing they have is their closeness to Jesus himself.
Imagine if the young boy kept his five loaves and two fish to himself. They would have nourished him and a few friends for the day. But he gave them over to Jesus with the simplicity of a child. Philip knew that 200 days wages wouldn’t be enough to buy food for the crowd of over 5000. But this child offered what he had, placing it in Jesus’ hands.
And in Jesus’ hands, nothing is wasted. In his hands, everything finds its true value.
Are there parts of your life that don’t make sense, that seem to have no value? Do you hold that “gift” to yourself, or can you offer it to the Lord? Maybe like an old antique, it’s been sitting there for ever, just taking up space. Try and put it in Jesus’ hands, and let him show you what value it really has. Let him show you what it means that nothing will be wasted.
-Fr. Tom
