When confronted by a hungry crowd the disciples noticed their lacks, their deficits. “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Jesus asked them to focus instead on their assets. “How many loaves do you have?” It turned their assets were enough for God to do the rest and work a miracle. As a church we all too easily notice our deficits: small attendance, few children in religious education, tight budget, etc. When we adopt the strategy of Jesus we will center on our assets: hospitable community, lively liturgy, ministry to the needy, presence of young adults, etc. Those are the “loaves and fishes” that Jesus can take and multiply to make St. James the church it should be.
