Second Friday of Easter – Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. (John 6:11).

God created us without us, but He does not save us without our participation. Even the minimal “effort” of five loaves and two fishes is needed for Him to act. However, the concern of the Heavenly Father who feeds His children is an invitation to imitate Him in generosity towards those in need: support, interest, time or understanding.

So, I can give without counting, do without complaining, remembering that “God loves a cheerful giver.” Jesus gave more than people needed. And me, is my measure the minimum or the maximum of possibilities? “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

When I make the effort to participate in God’s plan of salvation, I become a witness of His generosity.

When we are generous with the Lord in giving ourselves completely to Him, He, Jesus, is not to be outdone in generosity, always giving more than we deserve and what we can ask for, and sometimes he leads us along paths that seem mysterious (Agenda Paolina 2024, 12 April).