Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes

On the Scripture Readings for June 10: Genesis 14:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 9:11-17

In these Readings St. Paul gives us the event of the institution of the Eucharist. Luke gives us the story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. There is a connection between these two readings. When Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and pronounced a blessing over the loaves and fish it was an acknowledgment that this food is a gift from God. In the institution of the Eucharist he also gives thanks. In the loaves and fish event Jesus takes, he blesses, he breaks and he gives. He had the same ritual at the first Eucharist.

In the loaves and fish story we learn that there are 12 baskets of leftovers. What the author of the Gospel tells us is that when we “give” or share with the heart of Jesus there will be more than enough for all of us; that there will be more than humans are capable of receiving. During this time of debate over whether or not we should allow immigrants to become citizens we hear a lot of “they will take away from us.” This is an attitude that does not come from the heart of Jesus. When Jesus said at the institution of the Eucharist, “Do this in remembrance of me,” he is not talking only of the Eucharistic Liturgy, he is also speaking about our lives. He asks us to accept the gifts we have received from him; to give thanks for them, to break these gifts and share them with others. If we accept the Body and Blood of Christ we will always have enough. Sharing in the Eucharist calls for sharing our gifts with others. So by our call to Communion we are called to share with the immigrants. And our sharing needs to be such that they retain their dignity and respect. By our invitation to Communion we are called to evaluate the proposed immigration law from the measure of Jesus’ action of sharing. Do this in remembrance of me.