Looking More Deeply

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

Each Gospel presents this event with its own unique details. Philip and  Andrew play a special role in John’s account. Each looks at the same situation,  but their focus differs. Philip sees the immensity of the crowd and the impossibility of feeding so many, but Andrew spies a boy with five barley loaves and  two fish, and senses another possibility. So much depends on where you direct  your gaze.

The first half of John’s Gospel is called the Book of Signs (John 1:19 — 12:50),  recording a series of events, beginning with the miracle at the marriage feast at  Cana, that reveal God at work in Jesus. This feeding is the fourth sign, serving  to remind us that the God who once fed Israel with manna in the desert is now  feeding people through Jesus. But not only food for the body is involved here. 

However, earthly food is what captures the crowd, leading them to recognize  Jesus as the prophet Moses predicted, then to acclaim him as king (Messiah)— the long-awaited leader who would bring them freedom. Jesus flees from the  crowd and this understanding of who he is. 

This fourth “sign” continues to speak to us. It signals God’s desire both to  nourish us and to satisfy the deepest hungers of the heart. Also, it reminds us  that Jesus continues to work with what is at hand, even when neither the quality nor quantity seem adequate. Finally, this event will lead to a deeper appreciation of who Jesus is and why he came. 

Consider/Discuss

  • Do you tend to see problems (Philip) or possibilities (Andrew)?
  • What are some of the ways God feeds you? 

Responding to the Word

Nourishing God, you continue to feed us, often in surprising and unexpected  ways. Help us to be attentive to our true hungers and to turn to you for the  bread that will satisfy them. May we also recognize the hungers of our world and  respond to them in the spirit of Jesus.

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