Dear Friends,

In this liturgical year, we usually hear from Mark.  Because Mark’s Gospel is the shortest in the Bible, we hear from John for a few weeks.  All four Gospels recount the multiplication of the loaves and fishes miracle.  John’s Gospel is the only one that reveals the source of the five barley loaves and two fish: a boy (Jn 6:1-15).

I imagine that many people brought food to this all-day event.  Once they saw the boy sharing, others decided to share, too, and all were fed.  Some people say that that way of thinking diminishes the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.  I say that Jesus could have raised his arms and commanded manna to come down from heaven to feed the crowd.  Definitely a miracle.  Instead, the words and actions of Jesus moved this lad to share what he had, which then moved others to share.  THAT is a miracle.

What do you have to share?

Peace,
Fr. Greg Esty