A wise teacher once explained to his students that there are different stages to the process of learning. At some point, a student has to receive information, then that student can question the validity of the data that has been received before the teacher tests the student to determine whether the information has entered into the pupil's brain.
Jesus was and is a Master teacher. He is constantly giving us new information, providing new lessons for us to learn. The current state of pandemic is one of those. Scientists have already discovered that our commitment to physical distancing and isolation has borne fruit: the curve of new infections is being flattened and there is evidence that pollution levels in the air are on the decrease. These practices have been a challenge - a test - for us, but already there are lessons and great wisdom that we can draw from this experience ... if we choose.
There is also evidence of learnings and testing in the interactions Jesus had with his disciples. In today's gospel. When Jesus realized that there was a great crowd of people approaching, he asked a question - one of those questions to which the teacher already knows the answer -; he asked Philip: Where can we buy enough food for them to eat? (Jn 6:5) Philip's reaction was panic. Perhaps we too would have panicked if we had been in his shoes, but God never asks us a question, nor does He put us in a situation without already knowing what wisdom He wants to impart. In this case, Andrew, who had heard the conversation, proposed a possible solution, although he was aware of its limitations (Jn 6:7). Jesus always knows our limitations, but he invites us to be creative about finding possible solutions to the tests ... and he is always willing to work with us, to take our ideas and to find a way to multiply our efforts.
Have a great day.
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