Jesus has attracted a huge crowd to a deserted place, devoid of the normal comforts yet full of joyful souls witnessing the merciful power of the Messiah.
The disciples, being practical men, suggest: “Send the crowd away so they can go buy something to eat.” If He doesn’t send them away, they won’t leave. But Jesus doesn’t send them away; He has never sent anyone away.
Instead, he says to the disciples, “You yourselves give them something to eat.” I am moved by this Jesus who does not want to send anyone away from him, who wants them all around him—even when it comes to eating. It is the core image of God, a God who nourishes and sustains every life. How often in the Gospel do we see him sharing a meal with others and delighted to do so—from Cana to the Last Supper to Emmaus.
Jesus valued sharing meals and closeness so much that he made it a symbol of his life. At the Last Supper, before his departure, Jesus emphasized eternity as he broke the bread, saying, “Take and eat; this is my Body; do this in memory of me.”
Before God, I have no merit but my poverty and hunger—my weakness, as Paul said. He—the God who loves to nourish—will provide bread for the hungry and ignite a desire for greater things in those satisfied with bread alone. There is bread from heaven for you in every Eucharist.