The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. // Psalm Response (see Psalm 145:16)
Motorcycles honked ferociously and sped through traffic as our mission team walked the trash-filled and potholed streets of Santo Domingo. We took shortcuts between cinder block walls so narrow we had to turn sideways to enter homes that were humble, yet full of love and hope.
My favorite day on a mission is always the one when we visit homes in order to bring food to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are most in need. Each individual and family, carefully chosen by the churches in the community, greets us with hugs, love, and gratitude. We pray with them, hearing about their lives and sharing ours. We bring bags of food, such as eggs, rice, and beans, to sustain their bodies, but it doesn’t feel like enough. It never feels like enough.
I imagine the Apostles felt this way when they presented Jesus with five loaves of bread and two fish for “about five thousand” people (see John 6:1-15): it was just not enough. But God can multiply the little we offer to be all that is needed.
I don’t know what feels like not enough for you right now. Maybe you feel like you lack money, time, help, food, patience, energy, or strength. Take comfort in today's Readings and in Psalm 145, for God opens His hand He will “satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16).
One of the final home visits in the Dominican Republic was to a one-hundred-year-old man who lived in a single room. The previous year, our team helped put a new roof over his home. We brought him bread, peanut butter, jelly, and apples this year and checked in on how he was doing. He had no kitchen to cook in and was unable to leave his home. He relies entirely on the community to bring him food and care for him, and God has provided all he needs for over a century.
If you feel like what you have is not enough today, give whatever you have to the Lord and ask Him to multiply it. His provision is more than enough.
Tricia Tembreull is a seasoned ministry professional dedicated to guiding young hearts toward spiritual growth, healing, and the love of Christ. With a background in youth and young adult ministry, Tricia has served in various roles, including as a youth minister, college campus ministry at USC Caruso Catholic Center, and Regional Director for Life Teen International. As a devotions writer for Blessed Is She, she shares scripture reflections that resonate deeply with women of faith. Recognized as a compelling Catholic speaker, Tricia challenges audiences to embrace their faith with authenticity. Additionally, as a spiritual director, she provides compassionate support to those seeking deeper connections with God. Currently serving as the Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry and Evangelization for the Diocese of Orange, Tricia continues to inspire young adults to embrace their faith journey with zeal and purpose, embodying a commitment to spreading the gospel while fostering communities of love.
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