The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Gospel

Matthew 14:13-21

The feeding of the five thousand

When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick.

When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.

Reflection

Christ was sharing the word of God . However he knew the people were hungry and they need food. He knew physical food is needed so that they will have strength to do the will of God. When the people had eaten he told the disciples to collect the scrap so as not to waste. The miracle of the five thousand is a reminder that there are a lot of hungry people out there and even if you help one you have made one less hungry people.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus fill me with gratitude for your blessings and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others what you have given to me.

Amen

Comments

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