Word to the Wise
Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - Tuesday after Epiphany, or Jan. 8
[1 John 4:7-10 and Mark 6:34-44]Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. [Mark]
The ministry of Jesus is filled with "epiphanies." Surely the feeding of the multitude has to be one of those moments in which those present were aware that something extraordinary had taken place. The Gospel of John tells us that Jesus was afraid the people would try to "make him king" and he had to get away! [John 6:14-15]. Perhaps the "eucharistic" overtones in this story can give us something to think about.
In the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus [Luke 24], we are told that the two disciples recognize the Risen Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Indeed the essence of the eucharistic action is "to bless, to break, and to give." This occurs each time we celebrate the eucharist, although it has become so formalized that we can easily miss the fundamental epiphany that is taking place before our very eyes. The celebration of the eucharist is an epiphany each time. If we come with open hearts and minds and eyes, we will experience it. AMEN