John 6:1-21

1 After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. 2 A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. 3 Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. 5 When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so, they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also, the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

15 When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

Responding to Jesus

Out of compassion, Jesus, knowing what He is going to do, asks His disciple Philip to help find a solution for hospitality on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. The disciple has no practical solution and talks about the reasons to justify his incapacity to provide what is needed—there are too many people and the budget doesn't allow!

Andrew, another disciple knows that Philip is right, but he decides to try to find a way to respond to the Teacher. “A boy is here with five barley loaves and two fish" (v. 9), but still there’s the question of the number of people, about five thousand men.

Jesus orders them to bring the loaves and the fish. When He gives thanks, He blesses it and asks the disciples to distribute them to the seated people. Everybody has enough and the disciples collect the leftovers.

For the crowd, it is a great miracle. Jesus can provide them with food that fills their stomachs, but for Jesus it is a sign of the divine bread that humans need to feed their hearts and their souls. Strive for the bread that gives eternal life!

Let us give few minutes to reflect on some points that this Gospel inspires.

Do we hear Jesus speaking to us, asking our help to perform any action?
How do we educate our young generation to share and give? This young boy certainly has a great mother who teaches him to share with others, even his own daily bread.
The boy doesn’t show any refusal or hesitation to give the little he has, even all he has. He doesn’t know what is going to happen, all he knows is that Jesus is asking him to share. The very little he offers, blessed by Jesus, becomes very big. Do we trust Jesus up to this point?
Are we ready to try and find a possibility to help Jesus, who cares for every human out of love and compassion?

Our bread may become the bread of life for others when we receive Jesus as the bread of life. Follow Jesus for your earthly benefits.

He will withdraw by Himself to the mountain for prayer. Ask the Father to show you who Jesus is and what He wants you to look for.

Be His loving heart, full of compassion for the needy ones, whom He hosts in this Gospel today.

Blessed are those who respond to Jesus. Give it a try!