From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining… (John 6:1-15)

DISTRIBUTED: Today’s Gospel is the very familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish.

Often when reflecting on Scripture, I put myself into the scene. What would have it been like to be one of the five thousand, watching the miracle revealed right before my eyes? What if I were a disciple, still trying to decide what this guy Jesus was all about – what would be going through my mind?

My former pastor, Fr. Jim Farrell, is a talented biblical storyteller. I have heard him tell this beautiful story through the eyes of the little boy who just happened to be passing by with the five barley loaves and two fish he had purchased at market.

Here is another interesting possibility: Maybe we should think of ourselves as the bread in this Gospel story. It certainly speaks to what Jesus calls us to do (despite the fact we are mere broken fragments), which is to carry the blessings of Jesus out to the world and nourish others.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. We are members of the Body of Christ. That makes us fragments of the larger loaf, right?