The Catholic Calendar for Friday, April 28, 2006
Friday of the Second Week of Easter
St. Peter Chanel, priest and martyr
St. Louis Marie DeMontfort, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 5:34-42
Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
John 6:1-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture. . . .

"There is a boy who has five barley loaves and two fish;
but what good are these for so many?" (John 6:9)

Today's first reading reveals two important events. Gamaliel, a Sanhedrin, saved the lives of Christ's Apostles by reminding the religious authorities that if these men are not of God, they would perish like others before them who made false claims. He warned, however, that if they are of God, we will be fighting against Him. Though the disciples were severely flogged, they persisted in spreading Christ's message. In faith they totally gave themselves to their assigned mission regardless of the cost, more beatings or death.

Our Gospel records a contrasting situation that took place before Christ's death and resurrection, prior to the Holy Spirit having descended upon the Apostles. A huge crowd had followed Jesus into the countryside, and because they hungered, He took pity and told His men to feed them. Although His disciples had witnessed many miracles, they doubted it could be done. Jesus took the loaves and fish from the boy, blessed them, gave thanks to His Father, broke the loaves and fish, which miraculously multiplied, and distributed them to all. They ate their fill yet twelve baskets of scraps were left. The crowd saw they would never hunger if Jesus were made king. Seeing this He withdrew to the mountain, for they hadn't perceived His true purpose, renewing and strengthening their faith in God.

If we read the remainder of this chapter we will see that the feeding of the multitude implies Christ continuing to give Himself to us all as "real food." Each time we participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, be mindful that Christ is truly present in the wine and host to imbue us with His everlasting life.

Precious Redeemer, make us mindful that You are always with us, ready to give us Your blessed new life, that we may draw other hungry souls to You for nourishment. Amen.

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)