In this weekend’s gospel, we find Jesus, his disciples, and a large crowd in a deserted place. The crowd has come to hear Jesus preach about God’s love and mercy. But the day is long, probably hot and dry, and everyone is far from home. Out of concern for the people, the disciples ask Jesus to stop preaching so that everyone can somehow find food and lodging. In response, Jesus is both direct and plain-spoken. He simply tells the disciples to feed the people. But the disciples fret because they do not have enough food for everyone. Five loaves of bread and two fishes are surely not enough to feed five thousand people. They worry that the hungry crowd will grow angry and unruly. They fear that the restless crowd might turn on them.

Jesus then takes charge. He tells the disciples to organize the crowd. He tells them to sit down. He probably tells them to be silent. He blesses the seemingly meager supply of food. And he performs the miracle that multiplies the loaves and fishes into a meal that satisfies everyone. In fact, there are even leftovers for later. The disciples have already seen Jesus exorcise demons, heal the sick, and raise the dead. Now this latest miracle! At the heart of this great public spectacle, however, are deep and profound messages about discipleship and the mission of the church. First, we hear Jesus call his disciples to share their resources, however limited, with others. In this case, Jesus calls them to share with a crowd which undoubtedly included many strangers; people they did not know and might not ever see again. More than two thousand years later, Jesus calls us to share whatever we can, without counting the cost, with those in need.

In our own parishes, the men and women of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society volunteer their time, talent, and resources to serve the poor, the hungry, and the marginalized in our own neighborhoods here on Cape Ann. This service is often difficult and unappreciated. It takes great faith and sometimes great courage to reach out and serve those who are less fortunate than ourselves. The Saint Vincent de Paul Society deserves our ongoing support. They always appreciate our generosity. They always put it to good use. And they always welcome new members and volunteers. Likewise, the men and women of the Legion of Mary share in the Lord’s miraculous ministry on a daily basis. They visit the disabled, the elderly, the sick, and the forgotten in their homes, hospital rooms, and nursing care facilities. This service is sometimes fraught with sadness and suffering. And yet for almost one hundred years, the Legion of Mary has soldiered on: always faithful, always present, and always ready to welcome new members with open arms.

During these selfish times, the idea of service is sometimes overlooked. But we see that when Jesus works the miracle of the loaves and fishes, he calls the disciples to join in it by serving the meal to the assembled crowd. As disciples, we can also join in the Lord’s ministry of love, mercy, and hospitality. When we pray for others, forgive a friend, make peace in our families, or simply offer a kind word to someone we meet downtown, we share in the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes that manifests itself in our abiding love for Jesus and our love for others. This week, I invite you to spend a few minutes praying with the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Imagine what it must have been like to be a disciple. Imagine what it must have been like to partake in that amazing meal. I also invite you to pray about how you might share your gifts and resources with our parish communities; how you might serve as a disciple of Christ in our own time in your own way. How does Jesus call you to share? How does Jesus call you to serve? How does Jesus call you to share in the miracle of loaves and fishes?

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (6-23-19) 
Bringing Home the Word (6-23-19) 
Watch: Holy Eucharist

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Catholic Kids Camp
The Holy Land: Footsteps of Jesus
June 25th through June 28th