Jesus feeds the five thousand: Matthew 14:13-22
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
The news of John the Baptist’s death had just been made public, and Jesus said to his Apostles, ‘I think we need some space and quiet. We are all upset at this horrible news. Let’s row over to another part of the Lake.’
It was good to be by ourselves, sharing our memories of John. But as we neared the shore, we heard the noise of a crowd watching us come towards them. ‘Oh, no! Can’t they leave us alone for a while?’ But Jesus said, ‘They are upset, too. Let’s go and see if we can calm them.’
Reluctantly, we got out of the boat and secured it while Jesus went up the slope to find a place to sit. We listened to the people’s stories, and Jesus healed a number of people.
It had been mid-afternoon when we left the boat, and now it was getting late. When would these people leave us alone? I interrupted Jesus as he was talking to an old man. ‘Jesus, it’s getting late. These people need a meal. Tell them to go away and buy some food in the nearby farms.’ Jesus looked at me and said, ‘You give them something to eat.’ ‘I can’t do that! We only have a few loaves of bread and pieces of fish. There are thousands of people here!’ ‘Tell the people to sit down,” Jesus said. As we were organising the crowd, Jesus blessed the food and told us to give it to the people. I took some bread and gave it to those close to me. Then I turned back, expecting an empty bag. But no, there was plenty of bread, and fish, far more than we had handed to Jesus. So, he had done it again, working a miracle for the good of others. We were witnesses to this amazing banquet!
After the crowd and we had eaten all we needed, Jesus, ever aware of rubbish disposal, told us to gather the scraps that were left over. We filled twelve baskets full, with bread crusts and fish bones!
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· When something difficult happens in my life, e.g. the death of a friend, do I take time to look after myself? By doing so, I will then be able to support others in their grief.
· The Apostles wanted to be left alone, so they suggested that Jesus send the crowd away. Jesus turned their thinking around, directing them to meet the needs of the people. When dealing with others, am I inclined to put my comfort before their needs?
· As the Apostles came back again and again to Jesus for his miraculous bread and fish, they learnt to trust in God’s generosity. Am I able to be generous even when things are tough?
· Do I try to live sustainably, not wasting food or goods which could benefit others?
Prayer
Lord, teach me to be generous, to give and not to count the cost, to labour and not to seek for rest. May your will be done through me. Amen.