SUNDAY’S GOSPEL – John 6:1-15

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias.  A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick.  Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples.  Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near.  When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?”  He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do.  Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.”  One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,  “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?”  Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all.  Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.  When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.”  So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.  When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”     When Jesus realised that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Twice in the liturgical year B, Mark is supplemented by the Fourth Gospel. This happens for three Sundays in Lent and more extensively during the summer. The reading of Mark is suspended for no fewer than five Sundays and we read instead from John 6.

 

POINTS TO PONDER.

  1. At the heart of this story we are told that Jesustook the loaves, gave thanks and distributedthem. In our day this reminds us of the Eucharist, the bread of life with which Jesus feeds us. By sharing the bread and wine in the Eucharist we symbolise our unity with one another and with God. Can you recall a particular Eucharist that was especially nourishing for you? What was it that made it different?
  2. Take, give thanks, distribute.The actions of Jesus also suggest an attitude to time, gifts and living. We take what we are given, give thanks, and use what we have. Have you found that having a grateful heart for what you have been given has made it easier for you to share with others?
  3. From what seemed meagre and inadequate resources many were fed. When have you found that when you gratefully use what little resources you have the results are beyond your expectations?
  4. Jesus chose to involve those around him in feeding the people. Have there been times when you have experienced benefits from calling on those around you to use their gifts to help with a task?

The multiplication of the loaves generates many levels of meaning, often deeply spiritual. At a more ordinary level, we see an anonymous boy with the bread and fish making available what little he had for the Lord to make use of them. Placing ourselves at his disposal, offering whatever gifts we have is all that is asked of each of us.