Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

This Sunday we hear John's account of the feeding of the five thousand. As a side note, John tells us that there were 'as many as five thousand men' there, so the crowd was likely much larger. Then Jesus feeds the multitude with the loaves and fishes carried by a small boy. What John describes is everyone being fed with plenty to spare.

I have no doubt that divine intervention played a part in this miraculous event. But something else in this strikes me. Was this young boy the only one with the foresight to bring something with him to eat for the day? Or did many others have their hearts opened - inspired or shamed - into sharing what they had brought too?

In the reading from Ephesians that precedes this Gospel, St Paul implores us to live a life worthy of the vocation to which we are called; in charity, selflessness, and preserving the unity of the Spirit that binds us together.

For me, John's account of loaves and fishes is a lesson to trust in God's providence. That God will never abandon us in times of need. And Paul's words are an urgent reminder that, sometimes, God's providence rests in our hearts and hands. That we must be the ones to share what God has blessed us with for the good of others.

(I'd love to hear what you think about this story or reflection. If you have any thoughts please feel free to leave a comment).

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