What are you hungry for? World Peace? Stewardship of the environment? Harmony and diversity? Sometimes we deny our hunger rather than be disappointed. Hoping for what it is you really long for, that's an act of courage.

Listening to Jesus on the hillside, the crowd had not followed him because they expected bread. Nor did they ask for it. They were hoping for more than physical satisfaction. Jesus used this moment to teach his disciples about expectations. There is a lesson for all of us: remember that God's capacity will always exceed our expectations and God's reasons are unrelated to human reason. Jesus asked Phillip a question to highlight this difference. Phillip's response made complete and accurate sense. What reason can do, say or explain is not the same as what God offers. Phillip was not wrong in his answer; he suffered from anemic expectations. His hope hemoglobin needed some O₂ from the Holy Spirit. Jesus didn't point this out to him in front of the class, like Phillip was the last one making the lap around the track. Without saying it aloud, Jesus said "sit back and watch!"

In a demonstration of the strength of Hope in the Kingdom of God, Jesus told his followers to set the table, make everyone ready, bless and give thanks and Dare. Risk the disappointment. Deny that past is prologue all the time. Use your reason to accept that God is beyond reason. Grace is not the sum of anything, certainly not 5 loaves plus 2 fishes. Rather, Grace is the base number and Hope the power or exponent.

Come to St. Timothy's this Sunday as we join our hearts together and receive fulfillment of our hunger at the table of God.