Jesus Gave Us The Greatest Gift of All.
Dear Parishioners,
Chapter six of John’s Gospel draws our attention to the expression of God’s providence as Jesus takes the initiative of feeding the hungry with a few loaves of bread and fish. This miraculous act recalls what the Prophet Elisha did during his time, satisfying the needs of a multitude with twenty loaves of bread. God has never ceased to provide nourishment for his people.
Jesus gave humanity the greatest gift of all: the gift of himself in the form of the Eucharistic bread and wine. This act marks the beginning of a new covenant and a new mode of sacrifice. The providing of food symbolizes the nourishment to be found in the person and words of Jesus as well as in the sacrament. Jesus gave the order to gather the leftovers so that nothing should go to waste. The food he gave the people is more than ordinary food; it is a life and grace filled food for the nourishment of body and soul. It is far more than the manna in the desert or the food the prophet Elisha gave to his people. Jesus gave himself.
First, Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and distributed them. Every loaf passed from his hands to the disciples, who then gave it to the people. Jesus is aware of our needs and remains at the total service of his people. He adopted us as his own and shared the Eucharistic meal as a sign of what St. Paul reminds us: “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over and through all and in all.” We can say that the Eucharist is the means of the new covenant of God with us, a union more profound and complete than that enjoyed by the chosen of the Old Testament.
The story of the miraculous feeding should fill us with wonder and gratitude. In this event Jesus further reveals to us how close he is to those who follow him. He is so tender and considerate. He puts his whole self at our disposal. How do we deserve this gracious act? Jesus has proven time and time again that God is with us. He wants to share his power with us. He nourishes all those who believe enough to accept him. Has life become like a desert? Do you feel lonely and abandoned? Do you feel discouraged or empty? Then come to Jesus and he will feed and comfort you.
By entrusting the leftover foods or fragments to the apostles, Jesus makes our Church the custodian and “stewards of the mysteries of God.” You can imagine the excitement people felt, having been fed and having surplus. Immediately they recognized Jesus as a prophet and attempted to crown him king. Jesus slipped away, for that was not his mission. He left his apostles as trustees of this power. The church continues to nourish God’s people with sacraments that make Jesus Christ present in our lives. Jesus is our life and hope. The church has no power, but that which Jesus provides. You and I have no food to nurture our faith, but that which Jesus offers freely.
Saint Paul takes us back to the root of our faith and puts us in touch with the full vigor of our hope. He teaches us about humility, kindness, patience and a strong desire for unity in Spirit. We cannot achieve this without first experiencing the life-giving presence of Jesus. May Jesus help us to recognize him and welcome him in the Eucharistic celebration. May Jesus Christ be praised!
Sincerely Yours In the Lord,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
