Feeding the hungry, a Reflection on 2 Kings 4:42-44

Elisha is a prophet at a time and in a place where the wealthy are not concerned with the plight of the poor and of children. Elisha is. He rescues a widow from her creditors (4:1-5); saves the life of a wealthy woman's son (4:8-37) and ensures that the hungry no longer have to eat contaminated food (4:38-41).

In today's selection, hungry people are fed.

Note the steps:
A single person is compassionate enough to give up some of his resources.
He doesn't give a whole lot, only twenty loaves of bread and some grain.
He gives them first to Elisha's servant who doesn't think they are sufficient for the task.
Elisha does. He quotes what God wants.
They are: a hundred people are fed, and they have leftovers.

for further reading, Preaching the Old Testament, Ronald Allen & Williamson.

Lectio Divina: Psalm 145:13-15

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words,
and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.