Even the Fragments Matter

My dear son,

Treat small things with care even on days of plenty. After the crowd had eaten its fill, Jesus told the disciples to gather the leftover bread so nothing would be wasted. The pieces filled twelve baskets. Abundance and care belonged together.

Handle what you receive with gratitude. Take the food you can eat and store what remains thoughtfully. I value your respect for things that carry other people's labor and the gifts that sustain life.

Look carefully at the food and belongings around you this morning. Care for what can keep serving you, and share what you can. Let gratitude remain gently in the work of your hands as well as your words.

With all my love,
Your Father

John 6:12–13

WEB

12When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost.”
13So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten.

A short reflection

After feeding the crowd, Jesus tells the disciples to gather the remaining pieces so none are wasted, and they collect twelve baskets.

World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter