Sunday Reflections

Who has not rushed home and eaten something that was not only without taste, but without benefit? We certainly can make foolish choices in our food selection, but we can also make foolish choices in other areas of our lives, selecting what seems to be of short term benefit over something that is more satisfying and enduring.

For the third weekend the gospel readings speak to us of food. Jesus tells us that he is “the bread that came down from heaven”. What reassuring news! However, why do so many of us continue hungry and unfulfilled? The dilemma, I believe, is we hunger for the wrong things. In our human condition we hunger for power, pleasure, prestige and possessions. Jesus will not satisfy those appetites!

“I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never be hungry again”. Do you believe?

Andrew and Philip meet a youngster with a few barley loaves and a couple of fish. Earlier Jesus has asked the two apostles concerning feeding the large crowd that had come to hear Jesus speak. They reply to Jesus that the food that the youngster had would not nearly satisfy the appetites of so large a crowd. But they do pass on to Jesus the meagre supply of food that the young boy had. Jesus blesses the food, and has the apostles distribute it among the crowd.

Images from the world of shepherds characterize today's readings. For example, the Gospel recounts the return of the disciples from their missionary journey and Jesus invites them to come away to a "deserted" place for rest. But, crowds stream out and arrive before them. And Jesus is moved with pity for them for they were "like sheep without a shepherd."

It is striking that Jesus tells the disciples that they are to take only a walking stick in their hand and sandals on their feet as they begin their missionary journey. Jesus specifically tells them not to bring food, money, or a second tunic. These details are an allusion to Exodus 12, where the Israelites are bracing for the Passover. Like the disciples, they are to have sandals on their feet and a staff in their hands, but it is because they are preparing, finally, to leave their captivity in Egypt.