For the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the expected Mark 6:34-44 is replaced by John 6:1-15. The reason is simple: the eucharistic theme is stronger in John 6 than in Mark 6. John highlights the eucharistic theme of the narrative by using words and phrases that allude to the eucharist as celebrated by his readers. He also directly connects the feeding of the multitude with the Kingship of Christ on the cross. Read the article you find here, and use the following as your guide for reflection.
1. John rewrites the story of the feeding of the multitude in a way that reminds us of the Eucharistic meal we participate in on Sundays and for some, on a daily basis.
Reflect. Have you ever considered the relationship of your participation in the Eucharist with your participation in the life of society? Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps our society will get better if we who receive the Lord Himself in communion would live the meaning of the eucharist in our lives more seriously?
2. Philip and Andrew tried to give their financial assessment of the situation in which they found themselves. Five thousand people were to be fed, but they had nothing except the five loaves and two fish that a boy had. The Lord however knew what he was about to do. Crucial in this story is the "knowledge" of the Lord. He who will present himself later on as "The Truth" will feed five thousand men with the little that is supplied to Him.
Reflect. During these times of economic crisis, we are reminded that financial analysis is not enough. We are invited instead to learn from the Lord, to put our problems before Him so that He -- the Truth -- may shed light on our understanding and allow us to build up this earthly city with charity in truth. (See the Pope's encyclical "Charity in Truth")
How do you see yourself as a Christian protagonist in the life of society? What kind of know-how would you offer for the solution of your neighborhood's problems?
3. The people wanted to make Jesus their king so that he can continue to provide them with food. They imagine him to be like the Emperor of Rome who keeps his subjects under control by providing bread and circuses. But Jesus is not like that. He withdraws from them because he had another kingship in mind, that of the Suffering Messiah.
Reflect. The passage about the people's desire to make Jesus king points us to the Crucifixion and the sign placed over the head of Jesus: "The King of the Jews." It was on the cross that he gave his flesh for the life of the world; it was on the cross where his blood was poured as validation of the New Covenant between God and men.
"The eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life." What does that statement mean to you?
