Word to the Wise
Saturday, February 14, 2026 - Saturday in the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Kgs 12:26-32; 13:33-34 and Mark 8:1-10]In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd because they have been with me for three days and have nothing to eat...." [Mark]
FEBRUARY 14 STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS
One of the mysteries of the Gospel According to Mark is why he gives two incidents of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. In the second account, the one we have today, there doesn't seem to be any awareness on the part of the disciples that the first multiplication ever took place! The details like the number of the crowd and the amount of fragments vary, but there is also the mention of a place, "Dalmanutha," for which there is no ancient record of it ever existing! The conclusion reached by many scripture scholars is that the repetition of the event simply serves as a way of emphasizing the lack of awareness on the part of the disciples as to Jesus' power and identity. Otherwise, they would not be asking, "Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?"
In the Gospel According to Matthew, the dual report is included. In the Gospel According to Luke, the incident is reported only once. In the Gospel According to John, the event occurs only once and it serves as a "platform" for the discourse on "the Bread of Life" that follows. But the fact that the incident is reported in all four gospels is an indication of its importance even if the emphasis in each gospel varies. Catholic tradition tends to emphasize the eucharistic interpretation that the Gospel According to John gives. The words of Psalm 145:15-16 would also come to mind: "The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season. You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing." AMEN
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