To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Commentary of the Gospell
Your offering is never too late
While describing the scene of Jesus feeding the multitude, John presents the contrasting characters of Andrew and Philip. Philip believed that the situation was hopeless; nothing could be done. Andrew, on the other hand, thought of doing what he could and leaving the rest to Jesus. Thus, he brings the young boy to Jesus and makes the background work for the miracle to happen. We never know what possibilities we are releasing when we bring someone to Jesus.
The boy in the scene had nothing much to offer, but in what he had, Jesus found the materials for a miracle. The boy’s willingness to provide and not withhold his loaves and fish is the role of the ideal disciple. When one lays oneself at the altar of his or her service, there is no limit to what Christ can do with us and through us. Little is always much in Christ’s hands.
John is the only evangelist who notes that the one who has made available the little food he had “was a child” and that his bread was made “of barley” (v. 9). Barley was the food of the poor. The symbolic value of these details is obvious: in the gospel, the child is the model disciple. Those who want to enter the kingdom of heaven must be like little children (Mk 10:15).
The key to the miracle is to put aside our selfishness and overcome greed, “which is the root of every evil” (1 Tim 6:10). When we make all that we have, available to our sisters and brothers without reservations, the miracle happens: all are fed to the full and even have leftovers.