The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
One of my greatest flaws is that I am often overly concerned with justice.
By that, I mean that it’s hard for me to want good things for those who, in my opinion, don’t deserve them. You wanted a higher grade on a test? You should have studied instead of relying on a curved grade. You resorted to speeding to work? Should have woken up earlier. You’re hungry after being outside all day following a man that some claim to be God? You should have brought food with you, or stopped when it was time to eat.
See how this attitude is a problem?
I imagine this was the attitude of the disciples as well. “Can’t these people see that Jesus is mourning? His cousin just died, and now he doesn’t even get time to himself! They’re being selfish by asking things of him all day long, not even having the decency to bring food. What do they expect, a handout? Well, they should have thought of preparing food before coming here! They’ll just have to get food themselves. It’s not our problem this is a deserted place.”
And then what takes place is arguably one of the greatest miracles Jesus ever performs. Why would these people be rewarded so deeply? Why would they be the ones to experience an event that would be told for generations? I think it is because they are a reflection of God’s own yearning: they so deeply desire to encounter Jesus that all else is left behind. All practicality, all earthly things, are secondary to meeting Jesus.
Although this Gospel invites us to stand in awe of an incredible miracle, it begs us to go deeper. Yes, Jesus satisfied the hungry crowds by multiplying five loaves and two fish. Yes, every person ate their fill, with twelve wicker baskets left over. But we see a greater hunger here than just an earthly one. The desperate hungry cry of a people, thirsty for truth and healing, who have no money or any way to receive that truth without the encounter with Jesus. They are living proof that one does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. That’s why they’re here! That’s why they came! And Jesus makes good on that promise: He satisfies not only our stomachs, but our souls. His love and desire for us is so deep, and sure, and strong, that He is moved to satisfy the longings of our hearts.
Even to those of us who don’t deserve it.
Jennifer Stavinoha lives in Bryan, TX with her husband and two little girls. She loves reading, baking, and judging international figure skating from her couch. Jennifer is the Content Coordinator for Ablaze Ministries’ parent outreach ministry, Beyond the Pew. To find out more, check out the Beyond the Pew Facebook group, Instagram or visit their website.