Homilies

The feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most memorable and cherised storys about Jesus. This story isn’t just a demonstration of Christ’s power but a profound reflection of how we perceive miracles and God’s active presence in our world.

Many of us hesitate to accept miracles. We’d rather find natural explanations for Jesus’ actions, transforming his divine acts into something ordinary, yet inspiring. This skepticism isn’t just about doubt; it’s about reluctance. If Jesus truly performed miracles as signs of his divine identity, we must confront the implications: listening to him, following his teachings, and embodying his way of life. To avoid this transformative call, some have even suggested that the miracle of feeding 5,000 was merely an act of sharing, where a young boy’s modest lunch of two fish and five loaves spontaneously inspired others to share. They claim the “real” miracle was human generosity.

Nearly 2,600 years ago, Jeremiah spoke to a people burdened by violence and loss, people exiled from their beloved Jerusalem. In their deepest despair, God promised a future of harmony and right relationship with him and each other.

Yet, as we look around our world today, we might find ourselves questioning the fulfillment of this promise. How many have witnessed the horrors of conflict, seen loved ones lost to violence, or felt the sting of hatred? Hatred remains a potent force, dividing us and distancing us from God and each other. It tempts us to assert our will through violence, seek revenge, and arrogantly claim mastery over our lives and solutions to worldly problems, contrary to the essence of our faith.

“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.” Jesus was quite strict when he sent his disciples out two by two. They weren’t allowed to take money, food, or extra clothing and they had to wander around all of Israel. If we had been in one of the cities of the time and seen the disciples, it would not have been a pretty sight. They would have been dirty, smelly, and hungry beggars. They would have been shouting at us “Repent! For the Kingdom of God is at hand.” I think many of us would have dismissed them without a moments consideration. Surely God can equip his messengers better than this.