Sunday of bread overflowing from hands, from baskets, seemingly never-ending. As Jesus started distributing, it did not fail, and when he reached for more, each hand rejoiced with more bread.
Here, a boy steps forward with five barley loaves and two fish, the first grain to ripen. He offers all he has, understanding the need without being asked. His act of selfless giving is a beacon of hope in this moment.
Five loaves to 5,000: The Gospel emphasizes the disproportion between the little and the myriad hunger that besieges.
Why should we believe in a Risen One if we are bound to the possible? We feel the same disproportion when faced with the immense problems of our world. I have only five loaves. Yet Jesus does not care about quantity; even less is enough. The folly of generosity. In fact, as soon as they tell him of this boy’s poetry and courage, he knows spring has arrived: Sit them down! He says, now, we are ready to face hunger!
Jesus takes the loaves, gives thanks, and shares them with the people. It’s a scene that echoes the first outdoor Mass. Each piece of bread, shared from the hand of Jesus, is a symbol of his care for all, even those who have lost their sense of wonder. This act is a powerful reminder that God is always present, always caring, always Emmanuel.