Scripture Study for
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 Kings 4:42–44 / Psalm 145:16 / Ephesians 4:1–6 / John 6:1–15
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
Elisha directs that bread and grain be given to the people who have gathered at the shrine. Those who ministered at the shrine objected, because the bread was intended for cultic use. Elisha insisted, and one hundred people were fed by a mere twenty loaves. The miracle is the result of the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet. The original intent of the story is uncertain. It cannot be a reference to the manna in the wilderness, where God miraculously fed the multitude, for there the people took only what they needed and nothing was left over. This miracle reveals the bounteous generosity of God.
From prison Paul admonishes the Ephesians to lead the kind of life that has resulted in his own captivity. Rather than deterring them from following his example, his imprisonment demonstrates the price he is willing to pay for having been invited into a life of Christian virtue. He insists that only such a life is worthy of the call that they too have received from God. All the virtues he proposes are relational and foster community harmony. This is the kind of conduct that engenders peace within the community and provides the members with the inner dispositions needed to preserve the unity that comes from the Spirit.
Jesus took the barley loaves and fish, gave thanks, and distributed them. The eucharistic reference here is obvious. Once again the crowds were overwhelmed by Jesus, following him to the other side of the lake in order to witness his exceptional power. They were not disappointed. They now recognize him as more than a wonder-worker. He is the long-awaited prophet like Moses, the one who will usher in the messianic age. The event took place at the time of the Passover, the feast that coincided with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, feasts that celebrated the saving events of the past and looked forward in hope to the final age of fulfillment.