Multiplication of the Loaves

Today's Reflections

Multiplication of the Loaves 

 

Jn 6:1-15

¹Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee [of Tiberias]. ²A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. ³Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. ⁴The Jewish feast of Passover was near. ⁵When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” ⁶He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. ⁷Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit].” ⁸One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, ⁹“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” ¹⁰Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. ¹¹Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. ¹²When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” ¹³So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. ¹⁴When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one  who is to come into the world.” ¹⁵Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

Reflection:

Where can we buy enough food for them to eat? Jesus’ question reveals a shepherd’s heart. Jesus does not only sympathize and pity the people. He helps and feeds them. He is responsible for them. He is a good shepherd for them.

Jesus’ example challenges us to do something for people in need. Sympathy is not enough. Get-well-soon cards cannot replace actual care of the sick. Acts of charity are needed. We do not calculate whether we have extra before we help people in need. We do not reason that we cannot be of help because we do not have much or because we are in dire need ourselves. God always gives us numerous opportunities so that we can help other people.

Even without the five loaves and two fish Jesus can still perform miracles and feed people. But Jesus wants us to realize the value of sharing and learn the virtue of generosity. Miracles happen when we are willing to share, when we are gracious enough to help and give.

Who are the people in my life with whom

I have to share my bread and my blessings?