Saint Athanasius, Bishop, Doctor 

Acts 5:34-42
Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14
John 6:1-15

In today’s thrilling first reading from Acts 5:34-42, we dive right into the heart of the action as Peter and his companions face off against the Jewish Supreme Court! Thanks to the wise and crafty Gamaliel—an esteemed rabbi and former teacher of Paul—they find a glimmer of hope. Gamaliel argues that if their preaching is nothing but a scam, it will eventually fizzle out. The others listen intently, yet they still decide to flog Peter and the apostles, warning them not to preach again. But guess what? This only ignites their passion even further! The apostles leave with a fire in their hearts, thrilled to suffer for Christ and more determined than ever to share the Good News.

Now, let’s turn our attention to today’s Gospel, where Jesus attempts to retreat from the ever-growing crowd fueled by their messianic hopes. But no! They find Him! And in an awe-inspiring display of compassion, He performs the miraculous feeding of five thousand men. This incredible act isn’t just a miracle; it’s a powerful lesson on what happens when we let love and generosity guide our actions. Jesus shows us that if we’re willing to work alongside Him, He will lead us to a promised land filled with justice, peace, and abundant blessings.

In a world often dominated by greed and selfishness, it’s refreshing to hear the simple yet powerful declaration, “But all we have are five loaves and two fish.” This moment is a radiant example of generosity! A truly generous person gives more than expected, whether it’s their talents, time, or compassion. Whether it’s offering a listening ear to the grieving, showing kindness to the needy, or visiting a lonely soul, generosity shines brightly in these actions.

What’s amazing about generosity is that it asks for nothing in return! This is where the miraculous nature of love and generosity intertwines. With a heart full of gratitude for what God has done for us, our five loaves and two fish can become more than enough to bless everyone around us! When we share our talents without expecting anything back—especially to those who are in dire need—Jesus assures us that He will not only satisfy the recipients of our love but multiply our blessings a thousandfold!

So, when you take that brave step to help someone in need—feeding the hungry, providing care for the struggling, or lifting spirits with your time and energy—remember, you are embodying the spirit of the one who provided those five loaves and two fish. Through your selfless acts, Jesus will perform yet another miracle, bringing joy to those who need it most!

As we reflect on this awe-inspiring miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand—excluding women and children, mind you!—let’s embrace this experience, especially during Mass. Christ continues to nourish us as the Word of God and the Bread of Life. May He bless us abundantly and empower us to proclaim the Good News fervently!

Let’s not forget the real miracle of our modern world: becoming the providers of those five loaves and two fish! We must love and generously serve others out of our love for God. May God fill our hearts with gratitude and inspire us to share freely with all those around us. Amen!

Fr Joseph Osho