Sunday 03 August 2014

Background

There are two versions of this story in Matthew's Gospel, thisone and the feeding of the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39). The initial context for thefeeding of the 5,000 was quite stark - Jesus had just heard of theexecution of his cousin, John the Baptist on Herod's orders (Matthew 14:1-12). It was in that light that hewent away to a quiet place. We might think that this was quite anunderstandable reaction in the circumstances. Jesus, as a humanperson, needed space for mourning, reflection and prayer inresponse to such devastating news. Jesus presumably also heard ofHerod's fears that he himself was John raised from the dead andmight then have been fearing for his own life too. Despite thiswhen people from the towns find their way there he had compassionfor them and cured their sick. The crowds must have travelled adistance as Jesus came by boat yet they went over land.

The actions of Jesus in sharing the bread and fish with thecrowd have echoes of sacred meals. Readers might see in thisreflections of stories such as the provision of food for the widowat Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) and this might serve to placeJesus in the line of prophets which includes Elijah. John theBaptist was often also associated with Elijah and this gives us abroader picture of the questions around Jesus' identity as afulfilment of the prophetic line. However we read that, Jesus'feeding of the hungry crowd points to his compassion and love forthem, even in the midst of his own grief and turmoil. It calls usto acknowledge his identity as one bringing God's revelation.

To Ponder

• Where in your life are you able to find space for reflectionand peace?

• How might you support those who face persecution for theirfaith or action?

• How can we live as people of compassion through whatever lifebrings?