Pentecost 9 A: Gift not Goal

Matthew 14:13-21 Dear Partner in Preaching, First off, my apologies, as I realize these reflections are nearly useless to you when they come this late in the week. I have not yet found a writing rhythm at my new call to get these out consistently earlier in the week (though it occurred to me if I could double up this weekend I could write on more or less the same schedule except it would be a week ahead – pray for me πŸ™‚ ). In any event, just a few thoughts on this familiar passage: 1) All of this – leaving the retreat he craved to tend to the crowds, healing the sick, feeding the thousands – all of this stems from Jesus’...