Lunches

Jacob forgot his lunch today; on his first day at a new school. Rather, taking into account his tender age, I forgot his lunch today. I found out when the teacher phoned at lunch wondering if there was some location (of which she hadn't yet thought) where J's lunch could be. I opened the fridge and replied, "Not unless you're in my kitchen." She said not to worry as she could scrounge up some crackers for him. I told her that Hannah could surely share some of her food. I hung up and prayed that Jacob could survive off of the apple and granola bar that had made it to school with him. I had to laugh about the situation because no matter how hard I try, I always manage to forget one major thing.
For example, I once sent J and H for a weekend at Grandma's with everything packed but shirts for J. He wore a zip-up hoodie for his entire visit. I've also left behind essential documents, baby bottles and diapers on some of our many outings. These forgotten items never fail to be most needed until there are many people gathered to witness the ineptitude of this mommy. Oh well, at least I can find humour in this.
So, when I sat down to peruse the daily readings today, I had to really laugh when I read the Gospel as it was the story of the feeding of the five thousand. In it Jesus feeds five thousand men by blessing five loaves and two fish offered by a young boy. Somehow I doubt that he had packed his own lunch; behind that little Eli or Moshe there was a Jewish mother ruling over her household with great skill. As I pondered these readings (I won't say contemplated as I have never successfully done such a thing), I had to smile at the contrast between my son's lunch and that of today's Gospel. Jacob's character ensures that he would have rushed to Jesus' feet with his lunch as an offering. However, his mother's forgetfulness would have turned today's Gospel into a whole 'nother story. Thank God for that dear Jewish lady who didn't forget her son's lunch that day. May she pray for me.