Gospel for July 28 2024 – John 6:1-15
Gospel Reflections for July 28 2024
Jesus sees what we often miss…
Our Lord speaks to several thousand people in today’s Gospel …but they are hungry and most have no food. The Apostles see not only those who don’t have food …they notice who does …one lone small boy.
When people feel a shortage of anything they can develop a well-trained eye to see those who have a lot, like that small boy who alone has food. I am sure the crowd looked hungrily and even enviously at his lunch …and maybe with malice as well.
Perhaps the boy then held a little tighter to his five loaves and two fish! While it is perfectly okay to admire another’s good fortune, sometimes wanting what another person has can lead to envy …and even worse behavior.
Jesus sees both the crowd’s hunger …and vulnerability of that young boy. Maybe Jesus heard people grumbling and even wanting to take his food. Unless He acted quickly the crowd might do something drastic…
If the problem is scarcity of food, then Jesus will not only multiply it, He will give you so much you won’t know what to do with it all!
This is a true miracle and not simply Jesus inviting people to share food they already had. Jesus would certainly ask them to share food, as He often did in other passages. But He never uses those words here. The Gospel text is clear, He only uses five loaves and two fish. There was even food left over from the little He had at the start! This a true miracle.
Jesus does something meaningful here about abundance.
Jesus wants you to have a spirit of abundance that can only come from Him. Having more than you need creates a sense of peace with others and even generosity for them. No need to want what another has if you feel you are already full. Rather than wanting what another has …you are looking for ways to give away what you already have!
That spirit of abundant grace can change the way you look at your life right now, especially in challenging economic times. You may not have a lot of things, but you can be filled with an abundance of God’s grace that places you at peace with others.
Then you can see what is so often missed …that you already have a lot …and have a lot to give!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I never really thought about the boy and what ne thought about sharing his food with the others. He must have been amazed at the number of additional loaves and fish provided for those around him by his prized possession. We too are required to share our talent. And possessions for the less fortunate and can be amazed at the result.
I watched with amazed interest the Opening ceremony for the O lympics and saw the joy created in Peace by so many countries around the world.
Twould be great if w e could develop that constantly in our midst and enjoy Peace and Prosperity in cooperation with all other Countries. Celine Dione singing the Hymn of Love sort of capped it off. Jesus preached Love and Help for the Poor. Help us Lord fulfill that in our daily lives .
Yes, the Olympics are a welcome break. In ancient Greece at the time of the original Olympics, all wars had to be suspended during the games.
Dear Father Dave,
The loaves and fishes miracle was (as all of Christ’s miracles) astonishing. In fact everything about His life was extraordinary.
I really appreciated your reflection on several levels of the comparison scale. Our lives are in constant flux with one day of fulfillment and another of need. In a way, it’s like the sun and the moon … tools of operation.
I think we can toss gratitude into the mix as well. Just as the crowds Jesus fed must have been thankful, so are we.
I was raised in a small New York community where life was relatively simple. In looking back at the people I knew, there was satisfaction in doing a good day’s work along with a huge sense of appreciation for the love of family and gratefulness in God’s generosity..
God bless!
Kathleen
Thank you for your beautiful reflection!
This Sunday Jesus is telling us that He is the Bread of life and whoever comes to Him will never hunger again. We receive the Eucharist and that is receiving Him.
One time on a trip to Hawaii with my Wife and five Children I thought I would try Fasting. I read a book about it and did it for four weeks only drinking water and taking Communion every day at Mass.it was a marvelous experience.
I never got hungry but my wife told me I got somewhat Sanctimonious. Seeing people eating Pizza and big meals disgusted me.
When starting to eat again I had to eat very small portions for three. Weeks before consuming a regular meal. This Gospel reminded me of that time in my life, Thanks.
Fascinating story! I am no sure I could have been so disciplined while on vacation in Hawaii!