The multiplication story foretells the cross

Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor.

“Looking Ahead” is our continuing series of reflections on the Sunday readings this week, by Father Perry.

By Father Perry D. Leiker, pastor

Except for the resurrection, the story of the multiplication of the fish and loaves is the only miracle told in all four Gospels. There is near perfect agreement in its details: They went away to a deserted place. Great crowds came. They were hungry (for food? teaching? healing?).

Five loaves and two fishes; 12 baskets were gathered. Five-thousand men all ate and were satisfied — filled. What is also clear in the story is that people were coming, because they believed Jesus had something to give them. They weren’t looking for a meal; they were looking for words and actions that could teach, heal, comfort, and give meaning to and make life better.

Many biblical scholars shriek when someone interprets this story not as a literal miracle, but a miracle of sharing. Jesus speaks, blesses, loves, and teaches so profoundly that people pull food from beneath their cloaks; the great miracle is one of profound “sharing” by all. The scholars say “not so!”, there is no hint of people sharing in this Gospel.

What is boldly stated and is consistent in all of the Gospels is that Jesus blesses the five loaves and two fish; and this food is multiplied to feed thousands with plenty left over — a miracle pure and simple. It also echoes the Moses story with the miraculous bread (manna) sent from heaven — sufficient to satisfy the people’s hunger with more than they needed.

It also clearly prefigures not a multiplication story, but a story of bread and wine that also satisfies the deepest hungers and thirsts, and a story of bread and wine that becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

By definition, miracles are experienced and unable to be explained. They are considered to come directly from God. This story, by definition, is a miracle. But the story is also a consistent statement about God throughout the pages of the Bible.

God loves lavishly. God responds to our hunger and thirst by giving what we need. God’s grace is super-abundant, and more than we can ever absorb or understand. God’s grace is given freely and not earned. God’s grace is there before we even know it.

Like the sun and the rain, it falls on all of us. Opening to this grace is our challenge and call.

Quote of the week |
“If you want peace, work for justice.” St. Pope Paul VI (1897-1978).