The message that comes across loud and clear in today’s readings is that God satisfies our hungers.

These days, one of the most serious health problems in the country is obesity. Dieting has become a lifestyle, with its attendant choices: all protein and no carbs, or the other way around? Vegetarian or vegan? Many of us realize there is a complex array of issues underlying all this weight, some of which are emotional, psychological, economic, and a few that are hormonal.

For more than two decades, our family held the second Sunday of the month as sacred time. No matter what was going on in our lives—social events, family gatherings, athletic commitments, homework assignments, or work deadlines—we rearranged our schedules and showed up to cook and serve dinner for the guests at the local Catholic Worker House.

A guy I know grew up believing his grandma was with Jesus when he fed the 5,000. He came to that belief because whenever that particular gospel would be read, everyone in the family whispered, “Grandma musta’ been there!” And they would laugh.

Like the crowds who followed Jesus, we seek him and ask him for forgiveness and healing.

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.