Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of John (6: 1-15) in which Jesus feeds a large crowd with five small barley loaves and two fish and all are satisfied.

Fr Paul says in John’s Gospel the multiplication of the loaves is a messianic sign that reveals to us a deeper significance of who Jesus is and, therefore, what Jesus says and does. John has this event on the mountain and John is alluding to the time when God will feed his people with plenty.

Think of the passage from Isaiah (25: 6): On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a banquet of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.

The bread that Jesus multiplies is not your fine dining choice but the multiplication itself connects us to the Eucharist, the special food of God’s people. In fact, the multiplication of the bread points to a greater sign: Jesus as the Bread of Life.

Fr Paul says, today’s Gospel Reminder – Jesus connects us to the Eucharist which is the special food of God’s people.