Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Frater Anthony Ynzon SVD – Divine Word Seminary of Tagaytay
Wednesday 2nd Week of Easter
Introduction
At a fast food joint, I once saw two foreigners rush out, leaving half-finished burgers behind. Immediately, two hungry children ran in and grabbed the leftovers, much to the dismay of the guard. The sight made me angry — how can innocent children be reduced to feasting on scraps? Feeding on leftovers feels dehumanizing. Yet, I remembered how, as siblings, we often shared unfinished food or ice cream with the same spoon — and that was different. That was love, laughter, and family.
The Difference Between Leftovers and Sharing
The first scene was necessity, survival, and pity without relationship. The second was communion — a family affair of joy and acceptance. What makes the difference is love. As St. Paul reminds us: “If I give all I possess to the poor… but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:3).
God’s Love for Us
Sometimes, it seems unthinkable that God would give His only Son for us (John 3:16). Why would the Almighty stoop so low? Yet His gift is not scraps or leftovers. He does not treat us as beggars scavenging for half-eaten food. He treats us as His very own children, sharing life with us as family. Jesus Himself said: “I no longer call you servants… I have called you friends” (John 15:15).
Conclusion
God’s love is not pity but communion. He shares Himself with us fully, not partially. He invites us to His table, not to scavenge for scraps, but to feast as His children. Let us recognize this love and share it with others — not as leftovers, but as family.
“Lord, thank You for treating me as Your child. Teach me to share Your love generously.”
