Word to the Wise
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Saturday in the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34 and Mark 8:1-10]Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few gish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. [Mark]
FEBRUARY 10 ST. SCHOLASTICA, osb
There are two accounts of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes in the Gospels According to Mark and Matthew. Scripture scholars generally conclude that it is a matter of telling the same story twice with details changed. After that, opinions vary as to WHY the same story is told twice. St. Augustine and other church fathers thought one story indicated Jesus feeding a Jewish crowd and the second story had him feeding a Gentile crowd. There is "eucharistic language" that can be noted: "blessed, broken and given" and "They ate and were satisfied.." There is a lot of speculation about the numbers, etc.
What is clear is that the disciples simply misunderstood what Jesus was doing beyond feeding a multitude. Until they realized that the cross is the key to understanding all that Jesus did, they would remain uncomprehending. When we celebrate the Eucharist, there is considerable emphasis on the word "sacrifice," The crucifix is prominently displayed at the altar. We are not celebrating another "multiplication of the hosts" but remembering Jesus' sacrifice of himself for our sakes and that we are called to give of ourselves to others as Jesus' disciples. The "bread of life" is food for the journey and not just personal spiritual maintenance. AMEN