In trying to live lives "worthy of your vocation" (second reading), we come across many situations but precious few solutions. When problems occur, we often duck or divert it to another person as their responsibility. Faced with a hungry travel-weary multitude, what was Jesus' reaction?

What a pity - all those hungry people.

I'm glad I have my lunch with me.

If they had more cop-on, they would have brought food with them.

No, his reaction is simple and gracious. These people are hungry. We've got to feed them.

Perhaps Jesus questioned Philip because as a local he knew the food situation. Did he see Philip as a quiet man of deep perception? It was a situation with no human solution. Like us, Philip thinks of committees, fund-raising and organisation. He throws his hands up in despair. While Philip burns out the batteries of his pocket calculator, Andrew scurries around the crowd looking for groceries. We know the rest.

Imagine if Philip knew in advance what Jesus had in mind. What a difference it would make for him - for us. With a divine monthly scheduler broadcast to us, life would be simpler. Instead we may wonder if God has forgotten us, or have we got ahead of God.

The difference between Philip and Andrew was that the latter had hope. Whatever the future held, Andrew knew who held the future. It helps in seeing past situation to the solution.

(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )