Well Supplied

Much of the local media conversation the past several days has been dominated by two headline stories:

1.  the impending arrival of what may be a significant snowfall/blizzard event and
2.  the possibilty of another Super Bowl victory by the beloved Green Bay Packers.

In fact, such is the hype around both possibilities one would almost believe nothing else is presently occurring in the whole of our community.

I've been fascinated by the enthusiasm with which the various "eyewitness" teams, complete with adrenalin & caffeine infused reporters and high tech satellite link-ups, are frantically patrolling the streets and highways of southeastern Wisconsin so they can be first on the scene with live shots of the snow as it falls. Of course, snow in Wisconsin in February is so unusual I can see why it's necessary to have such on-the-scene reporting. Meanwhile down in Dallas, other local reporters, flush with per diem cash (and no doubt excited to be getting a trip to the Super Bowl as a part of "work") are scurrying about to get a chat with the quarterback or the head coach -- as if the Milwaukee football fan can't find out more than she ever wanted to know of it all by a few clicks of a mouse or the touch of an iPhone screen.

But one common angle for both of these stories has emerged already -- the laying in of supplies. For the snow, one must be well-stocked with assorted groceries and other items to make the potential in-home isolation bearable. Grocery stores are jammed this afternoon with last minute shoppers attempting to prepare for the possibility that they may be unable to get out of their driveways for a few hours while the snowplows clear the streets tomorrow morning and afternoon.

I've also seen a story or two already about getting one's supplies for the perfect Super Bowl party. Obviously cheering for the Packers from the comfort of one's living room will generate quite an appetite. Of course, every one who is hosting a Super Bowl party understands that it's the duty of the host to have a well-stocked smorgasbord of high quality/high calorie foods and beverages to add to the enjoyment of the event.

Earlier today, I read a story from the Gospel of Mark about Jesus feeding 4000 people. Supplies were limited -- a few loaves and some fish. But as Jesus blessed the bread and fish, broke it all into pieces and had his students distribute it to the crowd, an interesting thing happened. All were fed until they were satisfied. And there were leftovers. Meager resources yielded mighty results.

I can't help but think of all the people who will sleep outside tonight in Milwaukee and the surrounding counties. The street is their home all year round, but home is particularly life-threatening on winter evenings like this one.  And as I have had my own fun with the dire predictions of the weather prognosticators, the harsh reality for a number of people in our area is that tonight could very well be life-threatening. The end of their world could indeed come tonight, while others of us are safe and sound in warm houses, munching on our blizzard snacks and planning our menus for Sunday afternoon's game.

I've often said that the various feeding stories of Jesus are mysteries. I believe that they happened. I believe people were fed and not because Jesus simply "inspired people to share". And yet, I can't help but wonder what would happen if our society at large (and this community in particular) could get just a bit more inspired and significantly more resolved to share our resources for the common good.

Maybe our meager supplies,
Which appear so tiny in the face of the twin demons of homelessness and hunger;
Pooled with the resources of others in our community;
And offered with thanksgiving,
Could yield mighty results...
Satisfy the hungers of those who partake...
As well as the hungers of those who serve...
And even produce leftovers that would feed our souls!
Maybe that would be a miracle in and of itself.

And who knows? Such a story might make the headlines -- even when competing with the likes of snow in Wisconsin and the Packers in the Super Bowl.