John 6: 1-15

Background: For the last several weeks we have been reading from Mark's gospel and the sequence of readings has lead us up to Mark's account of the multiplication of loaves and fishes. But instead of reading Mark's description (6:34-44) the cycle of reading switches to John's gospel for the next three weeks. This may give the impression that it does not matter which account one reads. This would not be in harmony with a Catholic understanding of scripture. It may be helpful to consider a couple of the differences between Mark's text and John's account of this event.

Throughout John's gospel Jesus is portrayed as all knowing and those who come to Jesus have direct contact with him. Therefore, while the disciples are clearly present Jesus seems interact with the people directly and after the meal is over the disciples become involved. "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to the disciples, "Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted." (John 6:11-12) In contract Mark's gospel records, "Then, looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; He also divided the two fish among them all." Another difference is in Mark's account Jesus comes upon the crowd and they are like sheep without shepherd. Then Jesus begins to give them instruction. After listening to him preach and the day has grown late the disciples approach Jesus about the people's need for food. In John's gospel Jesus does not seem to have any prior interaction with the people. He comes upon them, recognizes their need and then begins to feed them. John also gives as much description to the events after the meal as before. Not only does he tell about the collecting of the fragments, but also the reaction of the people. After his account of the feeding of the crowd both gospel writers describe Jesus walking on the water. Following the account of Jesus walking on water, John gospel records that Jesus addressed the crowd that remained and moves into a rather long discord on Jesus as the Bread of Life. The gospel text for next Sunday, John 6:24-35, is part of that discord.

1. Do you find responding to the needs of others something that comes naturally to you? When is it easiest? When is it hardest?
2. Have you ever been edified or surprised by the generosity of another? What about the gesture edified you? (i.e. size of the gift, the recipient, why it was done, the resources of the person.)
3. What is the relation between generosity and compassion?
4. Jesus seemed to respond to the need of the crowd before they asked for help. Is that important? Do you think Jesus wanted to feed the crowd or just felt some form of obligation?
5. Andrew responds to Jesus first with hopefulness, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish;" and then with despair, "…but what good are these for so many?" How are these two emotions manifested in your life? How are these emotions present as you come to prayer?
6. Do you think that Jesus desires to feed you as he did the crowd?

(Comments to Paul at frpaul@franoutreach.org.)

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