This miracle story takes place in pagan territory, demonstrating Jesus’ openness to healing all people – and he uses techniques used by healers in ancient times, perhaps to show that all healing is the work of God. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
Gospel Reflections
‘You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions’
In this reading, Jesus shows how human practices can sometimes obscure the deeper demands of faith. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life’
Jesus’ teaching about the Eucharist is difficult for some of his followers to accept – but the Twelve make a firm commitment to him. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘I am the living bread which has come down from heaven’
In speaking of his flesh and blood which he gives to us, Jesus is employing a metaphor for his very self. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘The bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world’
In this reading, Jesus moves the discussion on, showing that he is the Bread of Life both in his teachings, and in the sacrament of his body and blood. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘Work for food that endures to eternal life’
When the crowds misinterpret the sign worked by Jesus, he makes it clear that his message is not be about material survival, but about life in its fulness. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘The feeding of the five thousand’
The multiplication of the loaves and fishes, found in all the gospels, is in John’s gospel one of the great signs worked by Jesus. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘They were like sheep without a shepherd’
This reading anticipates the two ways in which Jesus continues to feed us: by Word and Sacrament. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘He gave them authority over unclean spirits’
In this reading Jesus sends out his disciples to preach and follow his example of healing ministry. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.
‘He was amazed at their lack of faith’
When Jesus teaches in his own synagogue, the people refuse to accept him. Fr Adrian Graffy reflects.