A Reflection by Abby M

The Gospel passage known as the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand shows that the very act of sharing a meal joins people together. To share our food with others invites conversation, anecdotes and joy. It’s a rare time of the day to collect ideas, drama, joy and hurt and allows people to feel included and wanted.

When Jesus fed the many with loaves of bread and fish, he wasn’t just feeding their tummies, he was feeding their very soul. We can see in our mind's eye as we read that story, the people became a community together in small groups, talking, laughing and sharing. The very act of the shared meals encourages us to share ourselves with others and them with us.

I recently attended the community Ministry Outreach Program in Glebe along with Annie, Khianna, Reagan and Flo, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. One of the places I had visited was Street Level, it’s a place where people can come together off the streets for a meal and a chat.

I think we all have pre-conceived ideas of the homeless, however what I had learnt, was that I was quite misinformed. I watched many types of people from all nationalities and all walks of life, coming together to eat, but it was obvious that they came to talk. They chatted to each other and to the people who run the place and they all shared so much.

And just for a few hours for two days, what I saw was just people, talking, laughing, helping. Just for one brief moment in my life I saw the world as it should be, and I found it amongst those who have nothing material, but they do have plenty of heart and soul. Just for a time they aren’t alone.

It was so eye opening to see all the types of people come into Street Level, mums, dads, grandparents and children. However, every single one of these people was mature, kind and polite, they always used their manners and had a story to share, the good and the bad, but these people truly understood the meaning of communio.

During our time on Ministry Outreach, our service was done out of care and pure kindness, not in the hopes of wanting something in return. I know myself that I wanted to experience the reality of humanity and people’s experiences rather than a sheltered view, and I believe that this experience had shown me life and truly opened my eyes. Thus, following in the footsteps of Jesus, like in the feeding of the five thousand, we can understand the true meaning of giving and the importance of being a community, to create a sense of happiness and to provide support to those who are impacted by daily stress, struggles and the chaos of modern life. By creating community, it provides a safe place of encouragement and love.

Abby M – Year 11 Student