What is that among so many?

The Jewish Passover approaches and Jesus sees a huge crowd, intrigued by the signs he works, particularly the curing of the sick.

Jesus, as usual, takes the initiative, asking Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’

Naturally enough, the crowds, trying to keep pace with Jesus’ work ethic, are hungry:

What follows is of utmost importance for our spiritual lives.

Andrew is not optimistic in the least:

There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish, but what is that between so many? (John 6).

Jesus, as usual, makes use of these basic elements to satisfy the hunger:

Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready. He did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted.

Notice the pattern – throughout history and in our own time:

God takes what is elementary, not extravagant, and does marvellous things.

That is, he takes bread and wine into his hands in such a fashion that they become him – his very Body and Blood.

That is, he takes us and we become the Body of Christ.

Amen.