The Miracle of the Loaves and the Fishes

Text: Matthew 14:13-21

Reflection and Question: The feeding of the five thousand (not including women and children) is the only miracle included in all four gospels, (Mk 6:30-44, Lk 9:10-17, Jn 6:1-13). From the five loaves and five fish shared among the crowd, all ate and were filled. And there were twelve baskets full of leftovers. The miracle of Jesus taking, breaking and blessing the bread here echoes in the same actions each time Holy Communion is celebrated, for we are filled and fortified in our time just as those ancients were who followed Jesus to that deserted place. How does the meaning of Holy Communion, akin to this miraculous provision, sustain and strengthen you?

Prayer: Holy Jesus, when You sought a quiet place after John’s death, the crowd followed. You had compassion on them. You healed the sick and fed the hungry. You sent none away. So we trust You are near with compassion for us as well. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).