And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
(Matthew 14.21 NRSV)
Alcoholics Anonymous and many other twelve step groups have helped people in many ways. The individual seeking help must first have the ability to acknowledge his or her inadequacy and powerlessness. A certain man has been sober for 8,774 days. He doesn't even seek to reduce it to months. He dare not even talk about years. He has learned to live one day at a time. This man helps others who are struggling with problems like his. He goes to meetings and treatment centers to help people overcome their disease. En route he always stops at a doughnut shop and buys some fresh doughnuts and a cup of coffee.

One day he thought that the other people who come to meetings would like some doughnuts and coffee too. He bought some and took them with him. He said it was like having the sacrament when he shared those doughnuts and coffee with others in the group. At the close of the meeting the members of this group came out in the middle of the room in a huddle just like a sports team. Together they clasped hands as a team and sang "Lean on Me." When they finished singing, they stood up with a shout and were ready to go out and face the challenge of another day.

On a hillside long ago people ate bread and fish together. And they marveled at the love and the power of a simple teacher from Galilee. We don't know if they sang or shouted. We do know this was a day they would never forget. They had come away to be with Jesus. He cared for them and met their needs. And they experienced a foretaste of what will come-the heavenly banquet when we will feast with Jesus.

Dear Jesus, as you have met my needs, may I also work to fill empty souls. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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