My dear parishioners, I have meditated often about the story of Our Lord’s feeding of the multitude as told in John’s gospel chapter 6. This miracle story of loaves and fishes is like the human soul, fully known by God but an infinite and compelling mystery to the human mind. Surely, we need the help of the Paraclete, God’s Spirit, to understand it.
Jesus commands the crowd to seat themselves on the grass. First, he opens the storehouse of heaven by giving thanks. [Jn 6:10] Then, distributing the five barley loaves and two fish, he feeds the entire crowd and receives back 12 baskets filled with bread. Clearly, the number 12 is a sign of heavenly fulfillment, conveying the message to believers that Our Lord will feed the world in every generation until his glorious return.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus binds fellowship in his name to the celebration of a meal. Table fellowship is central to his mission. Not one to say no, he accepts invitations to share meals with friends, officials, and outcasts. He cooks for his disciples. When taking his place at table as someone’s guest, he continues his role of priestly service—offering the gospel, offering gifts of bread and wine, forgiving sins, healing, and transforming lives.
Follow Jesus’ example. Go out and welcome the weak into your fellowship. Care for those less fortunate than yourselves. Love those whom the world despises. Rise up from your lavish table to serve the impoverished: "If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." [Mk 9:35] The one who waits to be served will never make of himself an offering pleasing to the Lord. The worthy receiver of God’s bounty must first be a worthy harvester and beneficent provider:
REJOICE IN your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those whopersecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited. [Rom 12:12-16]
The Kingdom of God is at hand now on the hillsides of the world’s nations, in the deserts of their cities. The multitude of believers are to shine as a great light in the world as the fruit of their communion with one another. Believers of this generation, says the Lord, you have the abundance at hand to minister to my people: "For to him who has will more be given." [Mt 13:12]
Each chapel, church, shrine, convent, monastery, oratory, cathedral or basilica of the universal Church is a "city set on a hill (that) cannot be hid." [Mt 5:14] Because of him who has something in his hands--"for my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed" [Jn 6:55]--more will be expected from us. Jesus Christ invites you to enter the sacred city on a hill, to draw near to the holy table (Gk. hagia trapeza), to kneel before the consecrated altar of sacrifice, and to receive food for your journey in life: "Hearken diligently to me," says the Lord, "and eat what is good." [Isa 55:2] The Kingdom of God has overtaken you, on this day, in this hallowed setting of God’s Church. Now is the hour to recline in the shadow of Christ your teacher.
May the fruit of his teaching be sweet to your taste. May you be drawn to his banqueting house. May his banner over you be love. [cf. Song of Sol 2:3-4] Sincerely in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Your pastor, Reverend Richard Barker. +++