17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (“B”)
Q. 538: Two readings today about feeding many with very little (2 K 4:42-44; Jn 6:1-15). Is there a connection? (Return to INDEX page of "Didja Know?" series)
July 26, 2009
A. 538: Notice the parallels with the stories of Moses in the Book of Exodus. Jesus goes up a mountain. The listeners would remember the events on the mountain of Sinai and the teaching that followed (the Law or Torah). Jesus provides food for 5,000 men. the listeners would remember the Manna provided by God to the Israelites in the desert, as well as the story of Elisha feeding 100 men (see First Reading). John’s gospel is demonstrating that the gift of the Law on the mountain to Moses, and Manna to people in the desert, will be perfected in the gift of Jesus Christ himself.
John gives us another clue. He mentions that the “Feast of Passover” was near. Clearly, John is intending to help the listeners recognize that “a new Exodus” is taking place. In fact, immediately after this story and “sign” of the multiplication of loaves, Jesus, the “prophet like Moses,” leads the disciples to safety after walking on the waters and calming the sea.
It is important to remember that each of the seven “signs” in John’s gospel point to something beyond the sign itself. Every sign points to the divine identity of Jesus, and every such event is meant to bring people to faith in Jesus. When Jesus fed the 5,000 there was an abundance left over, and everyone had his physical hunger satisfied. Today Jesus also feeds us at our Eucharistic banquet, and no one goes away hungry. He satisfies all of our most important needs – meaning our spiritual hunger and need for him!
Jesus demonstrates that he can take the “little” that we offer him, and transform it into an abundance that gives glory to God. But first we need to offer ourselves to him – our talents, our time, and our treasure. Only then can he transform us through himself, the very nourishment that our souls need daily.
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM! The “signs” worked by Jesus attest that the Father has sent him, and they invite belief in him. Miracles bear witness to his divinity (CCC #548). Even so, his primary mission was to free humanity from the greatest slavery, sin (#549).
Deacon Paul Rooney
Mary Our Queen Parish, Omaha
(Go back to Deacon Paul's HOME PAGE)
