The miracle of the loaves and fishes : (August 2006)

"Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat"

This question posed by Jesus to Philip, one of the twelve disciples, introduces St John's version of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. The miracle story itself becomes the setting for Jesus' discourse on the Eucharist as the bread of life.

It always seems a pity to me that the unfolding of Jesus' discourse takes place on the main Sundays of the summer holiday!

There are complicated intertwined elements of history and symbolism involved in this discourse all of which help us to appreciate further the great gift of the Eucharist. Jesus fed the multitude and this reminded some of those in the crowd of the wonderful action of God when he fed Moses and the chosen people in the desert with the mana.

This manna, a flower like substance, appeared miraculously in the mornings and was gathered to make bread.

Fr Perry Gildea - Vincentian Fathers

Cliftonville Road, Belfast 15

It was literally bread from heaven. Now Jesus is using the situation to explain about a new bread from heaven, which provides sustenance for the interior and external life.

In memory of those who are able to share in this new bread from heaven will be able to live forever. He himself is the new bread from heaven the source of this everlasting life. The references to eating his body and drinking his blood are references to his death, which will bring about the separation of His body and blood.

It was only with the sharing in another meal and his identification of his body with the bread of the Passover Supper, and his blood with the cup of blessing that the manner of how one could share in his body and blood could be accomplished.

Manna from Heaven

When Christians assemble in obedience to the Lord's command to "do this in memory of me", then Christ the Bread of Life is present to share the gift of devine life with those who take part.

There is another significant association in St John's later description of the Last Supper. Having treated the Eucharist in the context of the miracle of the loaves and fishes, he does not develop that aspect again. Instead, he tells how Jesus took a towel and water and washed the disciple's feet. He then goes on to say that he has given them an example to follow, thus forging an unbreakable link between being invited to share in the bread of life and devoting oneself to serving others, especially others less fortunate than ourselves

Concern and Compassion...

It is here that we can return to the miracle of the loaves and fishes. It was out of concern for the crowd that Jesus acted. Concern and compassion for others is the mark of those who share in and understand the nature of the Eucharist.

It was suggested by at least one scripture scholar that the real miracle was that when the small boy was willing to share his five barley loaves and two fish, and Jesus pointed this out to the crowd; then all those who, like the little boy, had brought provisions, also volunteered to share and suddenly it was discovered there was more than enough for everyone.

"Those who willingly share with those who have nothing will always find they have enough."

Fr Perry (August 2006)

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