As a result of their nomadic heritage, Semites [descendants of Shem, son of Noah], both Jews and Arabs, had a strong ethic of sharing food, drink and shelter with others, including strangers, specially travelers. When they went to hear Jesus some brought provisions for the day. But to avoid sharing with those who had brought none, they keep them hidden under their robes until they were alone. John tells of the little boy with a basket of loaves and fish, probably food his other sent him to buy for family dinner. He freely gives it to Jesus, keeping none for himself. Jesus blessed it and gave it away, keeping none for Himself. Did the people observe these two acts of generosity? Did they choose to be generous by sharing with others what they had hidden? In the context of the gift of our free will, our ability to choose to be generous, which is a greater miracle for Jesus, multiplying loaves and fishes, or multiplying generous hearts?
