John 6:1-13 New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)
Multiplication of the Loaves. 1 After this, Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee [of Tiberias]. 2 A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish feast of Passover was near. 5 When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” 6 He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little [bit].” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. 12 When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” 13 So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.
Comments
How might Jesus need my help today?
How do I offer my humble gifts boldly like the boy who provided loaves and fishes?
How do I become more open to the humble gifts of others?
How might my help be multiplied by aligning energy to help with others.?
Years ago, when I was involved in youth ministry, our youth ministry team ran retreats by nurturing youth to lead ice breakers, give talks, lead small groups, and lead music.
I have such fond memories of mentoring young men and women as they discover that God can use their humble gifts to extend faith, hope, love, and joy to others. I enjoyed seeing young folks discovering purpose and joy by venturing into ministering to others.