FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND (Jn 6:1-15)
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Multiply your gifts within me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus feeding the crowds.
Context:
The story of Jesus’ multiplying the loaves and fishes is in all four gospels. John, however, adds some details. First, Jesus tests the apostles. Secondly, he has to flee because the crowds would make him king.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
When Jesus saw a great crowd coming to him, he asked Philip “Where can we buy bread so that they can eat?” He said this to try him because he knew what he would do. Philip answered, “Two hundred days’ wages is not enough, even for them to have a little.”
Andrew, brother to Simon Peter, said “A boy here has five barley loaves and two fishes, but what are these among so many?” Jesus said, “Make them sit down.” There were about five thousand men and they all sat down.
Jesus took the loaves, and when he gave thanks, he distributed them. He did the same with the fish. When all were filled, he told his disciples, “Gather up what remains so nothing is lost.” They filled twelve baskets with the loaves which remained after all had eaten.
When the crowd saw the miracle which Jesus performed, they said, “This is truly the prophet who is to come into the world.” When he knew that they would come to take him by force and make him king, he fled again into the mountains alone.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The crowds follow Jesus because he has healed so many.
- Jesus allows the apostles be perplexed, while he already knows exactly what he will do.
- His taking and blessing prefigures his same actions at the Last Supper.
- He feeds all and sees that all is gathered up so none is lost.
- The crowds realize the truth. Jesus is the prophet.
- Their actions are of earth. When they try to make Jesus an earthly king, they do not act from faith.
- Jesus flees. He knows that his Kingdom is not of this world.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, I follow you. I have seen your power.
- You know all things. You are totally in command.
- You multiply your divine Presence so I can receive you in Communion.
- O Jesus, you are careful so I am not lost.
- You are more than a prophet. You are my Lord and God.
- Be my King, Jesus.
- Do not flee from me. I want you to reign in my heart.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will have a special love for Holy Communion.
+ I will make Jesus the King of my heart.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Gather up what remains so nothing is lost.