Greetings on this the
Readings: 2 Kgs 4:42-44; Ps 145:10-11, 15-16, 17-18; Eph 4:1-6; Jn 6:1-15
Tip of the Hat to Paul Harvey
It its twin meanings. The Rest as in the expansion of the known story. The Rest as in the relaxation of the soul in the arms of a living and loving God.
Quick Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Harvey
The Bread of Life Discourse
This Sunday and the next four Sundays (total five Sundays) cover at a slow, methodical pace through the Gospel of John Chapter Six. Here is a link to the entirely of the chapter six of the Gospel of John: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6
The reading begins with the Multiplication of the Loaves. – a shared memory of the life of Jesus Christ.
The bread of life discourse is a central Catholic Christian theme and we take the time to accept this gift of the gospel account as a serious theological explanation of a most personal and powerful divine gift – that of the intimate sharing of the person of Jesus Christ, body and blood.
In 2024 we have a USA Eucharistic revival going on and you can catch up on it here: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/
Summary
The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves is from the life of Elisha who had a double portion of Elijah. Jesus, in turn, can be said to have more than a double portion of Elisha. The five barley loaves are common bread – in that day it would be considered the bread of the poor. Clearly not enough and not ‘special’ enough to feed 5,000 men thus requiring a miracle. Each of the five weeks provides the common links.
Old Testament Links
- Week One. Elisha. Loaves.
- Week Two. Moses. Manna.
- Week Three. Elijah. One meal (eaten in two steps separated by a nap) was food providing strength for 40 days and nights.
- Week Four. Food from Wisdom (Holy Spirit).
- Week Five. Joshua. He performed those great signs before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey and among all the peoples through whom we passed.
The Questions
- Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?
- There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?
The Action
- 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.
- “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.
Key Outcomes
- People witness: “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.”
- They were going to come and carry him off to make him king.
- [Jesus] withdrew again to the mountain alone.
Reflection
Jesus said, “Have the people recline.”
Hence the tile: The Rest of the Story.
- Relax. You are in the presence of the Son of Man. This is the fourth sign of Jesus (signs as in proofs of the divine message). The Lord knows your needs and wants your hearts and bellies to be full so that there is much left over — for others too!
- and, this miracle 4 of the 7 signs, is not the Rest of the Story. No, it is not the conclusion to make Jesus a secular King. He doesn’t need our elevation of that type. No, the rest of the story is the entirety of the seven signs and the personal, intimate gift of his entire self, culminating in the Last Supper and the Cross.
Personal Reflection
We question God, a lot. We ask questions near and dear to our hearts. That is a good thing! He wants the questions. Do we have the patience to hear the answers?
Pay attention to the questions. Pay attention to the answers.
Assignment
Want a bible study assignment? OK – here it is. Read the 6th chapter of the gospel of John and write down every question and objection.
- Week 1 – 2 questions.
- Week 2 – 4 questions.
- Week 3 – 3 questions.
- Week 4 – 1 question.
- Week 5 – 5 questions.
Make the list.
Make a list of the divine responses.
Believe.
Sacred Readings
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/072824.cfm
First Reading
The Barley Loaves (2 Kings)
Elisha said, “Give it to the people to eat.” But his servant objected, “How can I set this before a hundred people?” Elisha insisted, “Give it to the people to eat.” “For thus says the LORD, ‘They shall eat and there shall be some left over.'” And when they had eaten, there was some left over, as the LORD had said.
Responsorial
The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs.
Second Reading
Brothers and sisters: I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Gospel Acclamation
A great prophet has risen in our midst. God has visited his people.
Gospel
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 his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry