In the Gospel passage this weekend, we hear once again about the miraculous “Feeding of the 5,000 MEN.” Did it ever occur to you to ask, “what about the women and children…did they get any of the bread and fish…were they also fed?” One of the things we need to know about the Gospels is that they were written in a patriarchal society and thus stories are told highlighting the involvement of the men. More than 2,000 years later, women are still struggling for status in many of the areas of the world…and definitely within the Catholic Church. We are certainly making some progress, but, for many, it is far too slow. I am trying to be patient and am very grateful to be given the opportunity to lead this parish when, in most dioceses, only a priest can lead a parish. What many dioceses are doing these days are making priests a Pastor of two, three or even four parishes. In my opinion, it is near to impossible to do this well over time, contribute well to the vitality of the parish, and maintain your health. This, of course, is just my opinion! There is another lesson from today’s Gospel passage…the Gospel story today teaches us that Jesus meets the most basic human need, namely hunger, with generosity and compassion. YOU do this very well at St. Michael’s. Each month, you bring a load of food for those who need it through Roarke Center and Bethany at Unity House. The Gospel passage also tells us that God really cares about His people and that there is enough and more than enough for everybody to eat...if we are willing to share. Studies show that the world today produces enough food grains to provide every human being on the planet with 3,600 calories a day, not counting such foods as vegetables, beans, nuts, fruits, meats, and fish. SO…let us continue to pray and work for better “social justice” in all communities and countries. And let us continue to “live simply” so that others can “simply live.” A Man named Paul had received a special pre- Christmas gift from his rich brother. It was a beautiful new car - fully loaded and ready to go. On Christmas Eve, when Paul came out of his office, a street kid was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. “ Is this your car, mister? ” the kid asked. When he replied that it was and that his brother had given it to him for Christmas, the boy said, " You mean your brother gave it to you, and it didn't cost you anything? Free? For nothing? Gosh, I wish... " The boy hesitated, and Paul knew what he was about to say. He had heard it many times over the past few days. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the boy said shocked Paul. “ I wish ", the boy said, " I wish I could be a brother like that. " We CAN be a brother like that or a sister like that! All it takes is that we offer ourselves and what we have to God, and to his beloved sisters and brothers. All it takes is that we cease to worry about how little we have and begin instead to think about what it is that we can offer to others, as the little boy in today’s Gospel story did by sharing his bread and fish with the multitude through Jesus. (“Chicken Soup” series). “Gospel Question for the Week”: When you give, do you give only from your surplus?