The generosity, compassion, and graciousness of God is overwhelming. God wants to be the one who sustains and nourishes us. Isaiah relays God's invitation to come and receive the necessities of life — food and drink — in abundance and without charge. We cannot earn or buy God's compassion and mercy — it is always there for us. If that is the case, why do we run from God or avoid accepting this invitation? The answer is usually fear, sometimes selfishness — and always foolish. The one word God has for us is ‘Come!'

Paul has a similar message about the love of Christ. There is no power in the universe that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We can refuse this love, but no one can take it from us. We are too quick to blame other people, society, our circumstances or upbringing, and a host of other reasons. We should know that when life is most difficult or painful God is even closer to us. We are never alone or unloved.

All of this was evident in the feeding of the 5,000. The disciples could only see lack in the form of the very few loaves and fishes. Jesus could see only the abundance, compassion, and generosity of God the Father. The result was what we call a miracle, but it really should be more common. It could be so if we put on the mind and heart of Christ. God's love for us is infinite - perhaps we can learn to live in a manner that witnesses to that.