The Multiplication of the Loaves

What is this event?

The Multiplication of the Loaves is one of the best-known signs of Jesus, told in all four Gospels. Only the Gospel of John tells us that the five loaves and two fish belonged to a boy.

The story

It was close to the feast of Passover. Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee and sat down on a mountain with his disciples. Looking up, he saw a large crowd coming toward him. He asked Philip where they could buy enough bread for the people to eat. Philip answered that bread worth two hundred days’ wages would not be enough (cf. Jn 6:1-7).

Andrew told the Lord that there was a boy there with five barley loaves and two fish, but what good were these for so many people? Jesus had everyone sit down on the grass. He took the loaves, gave thanks, and shared them; he did the same with the fish, and everyone had as much as they wanted (cf. Jn 6:8-11).

When they had all had enough, the Lord said to his disciples: “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” (Jn 6:12). They filled twelve baskets. The people wanted to make the Lord their king, but he went off to the mountain alone (cf. Jn 6:13-15).

What does Jesus want to teach you?

Jesus wants to show that he cares about everything people need. This miracle also points ahead to an even greater gift: the next day, he said that he is the living bread come down from heaven (cf. Jn 6:22-35). The gestures of taking the bread, giving thanks and giving it away are also the Lord’s gestures at the Last Supper and at every Mass.

A lesson for you

• Be ready to share your food, your toys and your time; the Lord can do great things with little things.
• Before meals, make the Sign of the Cross and thank God.
• Do not waste food, because the Lord told his disciples to gather up what was left over.