A reading from the gospel according to Mark 6:34-44
34 When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
35 By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late.
36 Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages
and buy themselves something to eat.”
37 He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?”
38 He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.”
39 So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass.
40 The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties.
41 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 two fish among them all.
42 They all ate and were satisfied.
43 And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish.
44 Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.
Points for Reflection:
1. The gospel reading above is about the multiplication of food. It is found in the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John which means it is an important event in the life of Jesus and in his ministry. It shows us how generous God is and how much He cares for our total well-being. It also manifests how powerful He is and that nothing is indeed impossible for Him.
2. More often than not, God works miracles with our cooperation. When we offer ourselves, our treasure, our time, and our talent for His own glory, amazing things happen.
3. Most people are in competition with one another because of the worldly view of scarcity of resources. One must fight to get the bigger slice of the pie. The gospel reading shows us that sharing our “five loaves and two fish” can feed thousands of people if only we know how to divide equally the available resources of the world. Sharing is indeed caring. “If only we can care and share enough, no one would gonna be sad”, so goes the lyrics of a song.
4. Take your place. Sit down properly. Obey. One of the reasons why there is disorder in the world is because people do not know how to put themselves in their proper places. We don’t need to be always first in the queue if there is any queue at all.
5. In God there is satisfaction. In Him, all our needs are met. He is our God who is more than enough. Only in Him can we find real happiness.
*****
The story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish is a profound reminder of how God uses small beginnings to accomplish great miracles, fueled by compassion and faith.
As the story begins, we see Jesus looking at the crowd and feeling compassion for them. They were like sheep without a shepherd, lost and hungry — not just physically but spiritually. This moment shows us the heart of Christ. He doesn’t turn away from the needs of people; instead, He moves toward them. His compassion drives Him to act, reminding us that true ministry starts with a heart that cares deeply for others.
When the disciples point out the logistical challenge of feeding such a large crowd, they suggest sending the people away to fend for themselves. Jesus’ response is striking: “You give them something to eat.” This statement pushes the disciples out of their comfort zone. It invites them—and us—to see beyond our limitations and trust in God’s provision.
The disciples only have five loaves and two fish—a seemingly insignificant amount for such a massive crowd. But in Jesus’ hands, this small offering becomes more than enough. He takes the loaves, looks to heaven, gives thanks, and breaks them. The food multiplies, and everyone eats to their fill, with twelve baskets of leftovers gathered afterward.
This miracle teaches us several powerful lessons:
1. God Uses What We Have:
Often, we feel inadequate to meet the needs around us. Like the disciples, we see our resources as too small to make a difference. But God doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for availability. When we offer what we have — no matter how little — it becomes a tool for His glory.
2. Gratitude Unlocks Blessings:
Before Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish, He gave thanks. Gratitude shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance. It acknowledges that God is the source of all provision and prepares our hearts to receive His miracles.
3. God’s Abundance Exceeds Our Expectations:
Not only did the crowd eat until they were satisfied, but there were leftovers. This overflow demonstrates that God’s blessings are not just sufficient, they are abundant. He provides more than enough for every need.
4. Compassion Leads to Action:
Jesus didn’t just feel sorry for the people; He acted. True compassion moves us to address the needs we see, trusting that God will equip us to serve others effectively.
In our lives, we encounter situations that seem impossible to solve — relationships that need healing, financial struggles, or overwhelming work responsibilities. This story reminds us that we are not alone. Jesus is with us, ready to take what little we have and multiply it.
When we approach life with compassion, gratitude, and faith, God can work miracles through us. So, whatever you have today such as your time, talents, or resources, place it in God’s hands. Watch as He uses it to meet needs, bless others, and reveal His power. Trust in the God of abundance, and step boldly into the opportunities He places before you.
See additional reflection here.
