JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND
First Reading: 2 Kings 4: 42-44
Second Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Gospel Reading: John 6: 1-15
*First reading is from the second book of Kings. Prophet Elisha asked his servant to feed 100 men with 20 barley loaves. The servant was reluctant and doubtful of feeding them. But Elisha insisted that the Lord God had assured him that even after feeding all of them there would be food left over. And so it happened as the Prophet told. The hand of the Lord God was instrumental in this miracle.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul pleads with the Ephesian community to lead a life worthy of their call. They are asked to remain in unity and peace. Paul explains to them that they are called to be part of the one body of Christ and share in the one Spirit (Holy Spirit) who is the ultimate source of everything. This trinitarian unity of purpose should be seen in the life of every Christian.
Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them. Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. On that particular day Jesus worked a great miracle by feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. A large crowd followed Jesus and listened to His life-giving words to the extent that they forgot their own hunger. Jesus was very much concerned about their well-being. Jesus asked the disciples to find some food for the crowd. Philip, one of the disciples told Jesus that it would require a large sum of money to feed them even if food could be bought. Jesus was not discouraged by this reply. He immediately made use of the available resources: five loaves and two fish which a little boy had brought along. He instructed the disciples to make the crowd sit down on the grass. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God the Father and blessed the food and gave it to the disciples to distribute it to the hungry people. To everyone's amazement, all of them ate their fill - more than 5000 people. Later on the disciples even collected twelve baskets full of left over pieces. This miracle is a pre- figuration of the Eucharistic meal - the heavenly banquet where Jesus feeds not just 5000 people but everyone who believes in Him. The miracle of multiplication of loaves is possible even today. 1. When we are ready to share the little(five loaves) we have with others. 2. When we humbly realize our own limitations and ask God's grace and blessings.
"There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread." - M.K. Gandhi.
"Every miracle must be seen through the eyes of faith. The everyday miracle is when one is willing to share with others what he/she has lovingly received. It is a miracle that is happening everyday when we share love and care for others." - C.B. Buenafe
"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs but not for every man's greed." - M.K. Gandhi.
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