The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is very specific. On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples. The philosophers (going back to the 13th century Franciscan John Duns Scotus) talk about “thisness,” or “haeccity” in Latin. God does not save humanity in general but individuals, this person — John, Mary, etc. One of the great things that Cathy has done in our food pantry is emphasized “thisness.” We don’t give groceries to the poor but we serve people that we can call by name. Jesus was all about “thisness” as well. No doubt there were many needing bread and fish in ancient Israel but Jesus was moved to pity at a very specific set of people right in front of him.
