An account of Jesus’ being rejected in his place of origin (13:54-58) and the death of John the Baptist (14:1-12) serve to introduce this lengthy section (chapters 14-18) in which Jesus reveals that the fullness of his role as Messiah is to be rejected and suffer death on the cross. Hand-in-hand with the revelation throughout this section of Jesus as crucified savior comes an emphasis that his disciples also must share in his cross.

The multiplication of loaves is presented not as a miracle that evokes wonder and awe, but as a sign of Jesus’ true mission as Messiah. He is the successor of Moses, and so he continues to nourish his people and lead them through the desert to the banquet of promise. This feeding is an event that places the law in its proper context. Like Moses, Jesus as Giver of the new law of God’s kingdom, does not merely enforce an external code of behavior, he nourishes and leads. The fulfillment of the Law is not the court of judgment but the banquet of love and acceptance.

Two things are required in observance of Jesus’ law — to let oneself be nourished by him and, in turn, to nourish one another (vv 16-17). Jesus gives both the example and the power to do this. He is the one who blesses and breaks, but the disciples distribute (v 19). The superabundance (v 20) looks forward to the overwhelming eternal banquet, but may also sadly indicate that many for whom this bread was intended had absented themselves (see the comment for the Twentieth Sunday).

This passage unmistakably alludes to the eucharist. The ritual description of Jesus’ gestures (v 18) intentionally echoes the eucharistic words of institution.

"The poor have a special place in God’s heart" resounds insistently in the pages of both Jewish and Christian Scriptures. God’s banquet is open only to those who hunger for it. It is rejected by those who are confident of their own resources, and therefore are not interested in what God has to offer. This is a hard lesson which a small remnant of Israelites learned only at the cost of hardship, oppression, and deprivation. We Christians must remember this every time we share in the eucharistic gift. We can assemble only as God’s poor, only as those who submit themselves fully to God’s initiative, as Jesus did on the cross.

It is a source of never-ending wonder that the God who brought all things into being should have a personal care for his people. Response: "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs."

Present trials are more than just something to be endured in order to get an eventual reward. Paul’s faith goes beyond merely putting up with misfortune now in hopes of getting something better later. He invites every Christian to share with him a vision that God is actively at work within the contradictions and evils of this world — not to remove them but to restore order and healing in and through them.

1. Discuss "poverty" and "nourishment" as Gospel symbols for our participation in eternal life.

2. How does the love of Christ work within the trials of life?