Daily Gospel Reflection for April 24, 2020

Reflection by Lyn Francisco

Today's Gospel: John 6:1-15

The Feeding of the 5,000, or the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:31-44; Luke 9:12-17; and John 6:1-14). In John’s account, the people were crowded around Jesus because they noticed “the signs he was performing on the sick” (Jn 6:2). When Jesus took the loaves and the fish, blessed, them, and distributed them to all who were present, there were plenty of leftovers. Those present took this as a sign that Jesus was the Messiah, the promised prophet from the Old Testament, “who is to come into the world” (Jn 6:14).

Two thousand years after Jesus performed this miracle, there are still people today who need to be fed physically and spiritually. I participate in a program called “Project 5000” that takes this account from John as their inspiration. Boxes are distributed that are filled with supplies that would be enough to feed a family of four for two days. These supplies include pasta sauce, hot cereal (like oatmeal or grits), boxed macaroni and cheese, rice, muffin or biscuit mix, jelly, and canned items including meats, vegetables, beans, soup, milk, and fruit. I realize it is a small contribution, but just like the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, if a hundred people participated in filling a hundred of these boxes, that’s a hundred families who are provided with food. It is rewarding to see these small contributions multiplied in a way to help many others. Because of this, I’ve made it a point to participate in this program, especially since I know there is a great need to help others.

[Tweet "Two thousand years after Jesus performed this miracle, there are still people today who need to be fed physically and spiritually. #dailygospel By @lynfrancisco"]

Ponder:

Jesus performed the miracle of the feeding of the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. Is there something you can do to help the hungry and the needy in your neighborhood?

Pray:

Gracious God, we are thankful for all the blessings You bestow upon us. Just as Jesus fed the multitudes with five loaves and two fish, may we show our love and care by sharing what we have with persons in need. Amen.

Lyn Francisco is an organic chemist by training and education. When she is not at the lab bench, she occupies an organ bench in churches around Durham, NC. She also serves as cantor at Immaculate Conception Church in Durham.

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