Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of Matthew (14: 13-21) in which Jesus, taking pity on a large hungry crowd, feeds them with just five loaves and two fish.

Fr Paul says the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes is a profound testament to the compassion and power of Jesus.

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he simply sought solitude to grieve. However, the crowds followed him, and Jesus was moved with compassion for their spiritual and physical needs. Rather than sending them away, he healed the sick and proceeded to feed the multitude miraculously.

The disciples, focused on the practical challenges, doubted Jesus’ ability to provide for the crowd. But Jesus insisted that they give the people something to eat, demonstrating his desire to involve his followers in his work of mercy. With five loaves and two fish, Jesus blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to distribute. Remarkably, this meager provision was multiplied to satisfy the hunger of over five thousand people, with twelve baskets of leftovers.

This miracle reveals several some important truths. First, it shows Jesus’ divine power to meet the needs of humanity, even in the most dire circumstances. Second, it teaches us that when we offer our limited resources to the Lord, he can use them to accomplish great things. Finally, it demonstrates the Church’s call to be a sacrament of communion, distributing the Bread of Life to all who hunger.

Ultimately, the multiplication of the loaves foreshadows the Eucharist, where Christ continues to feed his people with his own Body and Blood.

Fr Paul says this miracle invites us to approach the Eucharist with faith, openness, and a willingness to be instruments of God’s compassion in the world.