to have a piece.” Then one of Jesus’ disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, “There is a boy here who has five barley
loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass
there, so the people, about five thousand men, sat down. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those
who were seated. He did the same with the fish, and gave them as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten enough,
he told his disciples, “Gather up the pieces left over, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled
twelve baskets with bread, that is, with pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. When the people saw
the miracle which Jesus had performed, they said, “This is really the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.”
Jesus realized that they would come and take him by force to make him king; so he fled to the hills by himself.
Reflection:
This gospel demonstrates
the power and
importance of the little
things. Jesus is worried that
the people has nothing to eat.
His disciples are overwhelmed
by the logistical nightmare
of feeding the multitude in
an out of the way place. But
Jesus will have none of it. He
insisted. The disciples could
only produce a meager five
barley loaves and two fishes
from a little boy. A little
offering from a little offeror.
Yet the Lord multiplied what
is otherwise an insignificant
amount of food. For the little
we have if heartily offered to
the Lord becomes enough for
the needs of those in want.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021