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17th Sunday (B)
2 Kgs 4:42-44
This episode comes from tradition about Elisha (2 Kgs 2-13). Like Elijah, he is also called the “man of God” (v42), through whom the power of God to give life is communicated (cf 4:8-37, where a couple was gifted with a son and even restored his life when the boy died). And now he fed a hundred people during a drought. As is typical of the feeding miracles, there is not only enough to eat but food left over (v44), prefiguring the miraculous feeding of the Gospel.
Jn 6:1-15
The miracle of the loaves is the only miracle of Jesus to be found in all four gospels (Mk 6:34-44; Mt 14:13-21; Lk 9:10 -17). More so than in the Synoptics, here the initiative of Jesus comes to the fore. He wants to satisfy their hunger (v5), and, after performing the blessing, distributes the loaves himself (v11). Cast so prominently, Jesus is something of a Moses figure, recalling God’s provision of bread in the desert. Again, the abundance is characteristic of God’s generosity (v13). But in the context of the gospel of John, this miracle is part of his “book of signs,” which points to a deeper reality in the life of the faith community, aside from the level of understanding centered on the event itself. It should be noted that this narrative precedes the Bread of Life discourse in the same chapter. Hence, the bread is already seen as symbolic of Jesus himself as well as of the Eucharist. The provision of food symbolizes the nourishment to be found in the person and words of Jesus as well as in the sacrament. It should be noted that this narrative precedes the Bread of Life discourse in the same chapter. Hence, the bread is already seen as symbolic of Jesus himself as well as of the Eucharist. The provision of food symbolizes the nourishment to be found in the person and words of Jesus as well as in the sacrament. The Christians hearing or reading the account were called to realize that Christ provides for them no less than for the people of his ministry. He feeds now in his word and especially in the eucharistic offering.
Eph 4, 1-6
The text argues for a spirit of unity based on the objective unity which the church possesses. These virtues center around mutual respect and a humble spirit, as befits those who are called as the elect of God (vvlf). The Spirit received in baptism unites Christians among themselves and re-establishes the harmony and peace that had been lost through sin. Thus love, unity, and peace become inseparable (vv2f; Col 3:14ff).
Whenever we celebrate the Eucharist, “the hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs”. ‘Let our eyes look hopefully to you O Lord you who give us food in due season; you who open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing!’ (cf Responsorial Psalm). Amen!
