"Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." So they collected them
and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. (Jn.6:1-15).
This week, we are interrupted in the Gospel readings from Mark to hear from “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” This is one of my favorite signs John writes about because, if you know me, it has something to do with food. John writes of the feeding of the multitudes. Mind you, there were so many people that it was estimated two hundred days' pay would not be able to accommodate them. Jesus used ordinary people and things to do the extraordinary. So, Andrew found a boy with two fish and five loaves; Jesus thanked God and fed the people. With the leftovers, twelve baskets were filled. The Lord had them living in abundance.
Jesus does this when you put your full trust in Him. He leaves you with abundance. Give all you have to God; He will use you to serve the multitudes and have leftovers.
I witnessed God's splendor on a grand scale recently at the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Many brought what they had so they could receive a multitude of blessings to share with others.
I am in no way going to say I was completely excited about this Catholic event; I knew what I was going into. I was attending a “traditional” white American Catholic event. I signed up and registered as I was the historical weight of being there, the opportunity that it may present, and the chance to get to see my second parents, AKA my mother’s best friends. Though I visited the website often, I still was not excited, but I am not going to let many of my personal feelings distract me from watching Jesus bless the tens of thousands of people. There were so many people, but not everyone was there. It was brought to my attention that everyone did not know this historical event was even occurring. So, this is my meager attempt at giving a brief recount like John—because I know Jesus loves me!
So, boom: the crowds grew daily; people spent three hours waiting to go through registration to pick up badges and orange conference souvenir bags. Even with the large population, there were only a handful of people who looked like me- please know twenty were in the gospel choir. ALL the lines were long: restrooms (including men), confession, food, exhibits, and walking to the stadium for liturgies. Though the lines were unavoidable, participants were able to get something. This was not always what they thought they were looking for, but what the Lord wanted to have or be at that time to bless the community.
I did not realize that some members of the body of Christ in the United States still are not aware of the African American/Black Catholic presence in the Church of the past, present, and future, so much so my friend, James Conway, was asked to be photographed to share as a testimony that Black Catholics do exist, go figure if you will. We are both still unpacking how we feel about this notion. I am so glad the Josephites were present with a Vocations booth to assist in shedding light on the presence of African American/Black Catholic communities.
People living in a bubble were hearing my Merrlin (very central Maryland, not Baltimore) accent. I popped their bubble ever so briefly to show that I was, in fact, a Black American Catholic short lady. This space still offered a glimpse of HOPE.
I saw people doing corporal works of mercy: feeding the unhoused and giving the t-shirts to me with tattered clothes; even at an exhibit booth, we bagged food for families. We were all, prayerfully, seeking Jesus in the physical sense -communion and adoration- and spiritual -within each other. The Lord knew my social battery was empty, and I could not stomach it anymore. The Holy Spirit pushed through the crowds two prayer warriors, Vickie Figueroa and Richard Lane, who prayed me up and encouraged me to get me through the rest of my time there. Let me tell you, it felt like they peeled me off the floor. God bless them.
The Eucharistic procession was still unbelievable; I watched tens of thousands come together with my own eyes. Participants were walking towards the same goal—to follow Jesus.
I did not actually participate in the procession.
I stood outside for three minutes to show someone how to get to the line and to get some air. The Lord knew I was exhausted from the number of people and the walking, but also knew I needed and wanted time to do group worship. I was sent to “assist” a colleague, and now forever friend, on a special mission to staff a private mass for one of the speakers and his team. The speaker was the man who plays Jesus on The Chosen.
Not only did I attend mass with Jonathan Roumie, but I was the lector. I asked him to sign my National Eucharistic Congress Magnificat (I know, so Catholic of me). I helped bring Jesus to “Jesus”! I told only a few friends I knew were fans and relayed their messages to him. Jonathan Roumie said, hey and “Thanks for the prayers.”
After receiving and spending time with Jesus, we were eager to share with others at home. Just like in 1 Corinthians 13:13, faith, hope, and love still exist. I am certain these things will last forever.
Author: Stefanie Miles, attends the Church of Incarnation, Washington, DC.
Thank you for reading and praying through this blog. If you enjoyed the content of this presentation, please press the like button and share it with a friend. Evang./Prof. Howard
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