Expectant Faith: Embracing the Miracles in Our Lives
Intro: We reflect on the deeper truths about our own spiritual journeys and the nature of divine intervention in our lives through the stories of Philip and Andrew.
Scripture
John 6:1-15.
Reflection
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In the heart of the Gospel, nestled within the miraculous account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, we find a tale of two disciples: Philip and Andrew. Their interactions with Jesus during this event reveal the duality of human faith and the transformative power of belief. As we delve into their stories, we uncover deeper truths about our own spiritual journeys and the nature of divine intervention in our lives.
Philip: The Materialist’s Faith
When Jesus posed the question to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” (John 6:5), it was a test, a mirror held up to reflect Philip’s inner workings. Philip, practical and grounded in the tangible world, saw the problem in terms of arithmetic and logistics. He calculated the cost, “Two hundred days wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little” (v. 7), and concluded that feeding the crowd was an insurmountable challenge.
Philip’s response is a reflection of a common mindset—a materialistic faith limited by what can be seen, measured, and purchased. It is a faith that relies on human effort and resources, often leading to a sense of helplessness when faced with problems that exceed our capabilities. Philip’s faith, though sincere, was bounded by the physical realities he could perceive.
Andrew: The Expectant Faith
In contrast, Andrew’s approach was markedly different. When he noticed a boy with five barley loaves and two fish, he did not dismiss the meager offering. Instead, he brought it to Jesus, saying, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” (v. 9). Andrew acknowledged the inadequacy of the resources but still presented them with hope and expectation.
Andrew’s faith is emblematic of an expectant faith—one that recognises limitations, yet believes in the possibility of divine multiplication. This type of faith sees beyond the material and taps into the potential for miracles. Andrew’s willingness to offer the little that was available, trusting that Jesus could make it sufficient, embodies a partnership with the divine. It is a faith that does not wait passively for miracles, but actively participates in the unfolding of God’s work.
The Miracle of Participation
The story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand teaches us that miracles often begin with a simple human gesture. Jesus did not create bread and fish out of nothing; he took the small offering provided and multiplied it. This act underscores a profound truth: miracles are a collaborative effort between humanity and divinity. They are not merely acts of God performed in isolation but are often the result of human initiative met with divine intervention.
This principle is echoed in the transformation of water into wine at the marriage feast at Cana. Jesus asked the servants to fill the jars with water before he turned it into wine. Similarly, in feeding the multitude, he used what was available - however insufficient it seemed - to perform the miracle. These examples highlight that expectant faith involves taking action, offering what we have, and trusting that God will do the rest.
Faith in Action
Expectant faith calls us to move beyond passive belief to active engagement. It encourages us to offer our “five loaves and two fish”, no matter how inadequate they may seem. This could mean using our talents, resources, or time in service to others, trusting that God can amplify our efforts. It is a faith that propels us into action, spurring us to contribute our best while leaving the outcome to God’s providence.
In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that seem overwhelming or impossible to resolve. Like Philip, we might be tempted to focus on the limitations and challenges, feeling discouraged by the enormity of the task. However, the example of Andrew invites us to adopt a different perspective - to recognise the small opportunities for contribution and to trust in the transformative power of God’s intervention.
The Power of Belief
Henry Ford’s words, “Whether you think you can or not, you are right,” resonate deeply in the context of faith. Our beliefs shape our reality. When we believe in the possibility of miracles, we open ourselves to experiencing them. Conversely, when we doubt, we close off potential avenues for divine action in our lives.
Jesus often emphasised the importance of faith in his teachings saying, “According to your faith will it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29). This statement highlights the critical role that belief plays in the manifestation of miracles. Faith acts as a catalyst, enabling God’s power to work in and through us. It is a reminder that our mindset and attitude can significantly influence our experiences.
Cultivating Expectant Faith
To cultivate expectant faith, we must first acknowledge our limitations and then transcend them through trust in God’s infinite possibilities. This involves a shift in perspective, from scarcity to abundance, from doubt to belief, and from passive waiting to active participation. Here are a few steps to help nurture such a faith:
Recognise the Small Offerings: Pay attention to the seemingly insignificant resources or opportunities around you. Just as Andrew noticed the boy with the loaves and fish, we too can identify and appreciate the small gifts in our lives.
Take Action: Offer what you have, even if it seems insufficient. Engage in acts of kindness, service, or generosity, trusting that your contributions can be multiplied by God’s grace.
Trust in God’s Providence: Develop a mindset of abundance, believing that God can and will provide for your needs. Let go of the fear of scarcity and embrace a faith that anticipates divine intervention.
Stay Grounded in Prayer: Cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God through regular prayer and meditation. This helps to strengthen your faith and align your will with God’s purposes.
Reflect on Past Miracles: Recall and reflect on past instances where you have witnessed or experienced God’s intervention. Let these memories reinforce your belief in the possibility of miracles.
A Faith That Transforms
The stories of Philip and Andrew remind us that faith is not a one-dimensional concept but a multifaceted journey. Philip’s materialistic faith and Andrew’s expectant faith represent different stages and types of belief that we might encounter in our spiritual lives. By embracing the lessons from both disciples, we can develop a more holistic and dynamic faith.
Ultimately, the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand illustrates that our faith, whether nascent or mature, is always an invitation to collaborate with the divine. It is a call to participate in the miraculous, to offer our best, and to trust in God’s boundless ability to transform and multiply our efforts.
In reflecting on this gospel story, let us be inspired to move from a faith constrained by material limitations to one that expects and embraces the miraculous. Let us strive to be like Andrew, whose simple yet profound faith made room for Jesus to perform one of the greatest miracles in the scriptures. And in doing so, may we witness and experience the transformative power of God’s love in our lives and the world around us.
May the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all. Amen…
