17.Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B John 6,1-15

He gave out to the sitters as much as they wanted …

A well-known professor from Delhi was invited to the USA for a series of scientific lectures. During his stay, the hospitable Americans tried to show him the most impressive solution among the skyscrapers and modern business complexes integrated into the surrounding scenery and ecologically safe. Also, new scientific institutes, universities, and hospitals. Reporters approached him as his stay ended: “What impressed you the most during your stay?” Without hesitation, he said, “Your trash cans.” Amazed, journalists almost immediately responded: “Trash bins? What is strange about them? ” The professor said, “They are filled with unused food. You Americans throw away as much food in a week as would be enough to feed the children of one county in our country for a whole month.” It’s a harsh reality.

Food is being destroyed in America and Europe, while people are dying of hunger in Africa and Asia. The multiplied bread is the humble “barley bread,” the bread of low-income people. Therefore, Jesus offered the feast of the poor, who were best prepared to receive the fullness of the messianic goods. When they were full, he told his disciples: “Gather the remaining scraps so that nothing goes to waste!” They gathered” the crumbs from the five barley loaves in twelve baskets. When the people saw what sign he did, they said: “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:11 -14).

We have experience in collecting for victims of floods. One lady brought one hundred crowns. “I felt guilty.” The next day, she came again and got another hundred crowns, and the next again. And so it went on and on until, finally, a hundred crowns turned into a thousand. Finally, she explained: “Believe me, it was quite a match. All sorts, I also talked to acquaintances.” God cares for his own through others. There is enough of everything here, but it is unevenly distributed. It is up to us if we have a good heart and if we share with others who have little and need our help. Also, in the first reading of the Second Book of Kings, we hear about the prophet Elisha, who received some food from Baal Salish. It was a time of great drought and hunger; even a little food meant a great gift. Elisha ordered the servant to distribute even that little. Although the servant was surprised, he obeyed. And so the holy man Elisha already set a beautiful example for his students. He was able to divide even when he was hungry. God caused that even a few loaves could feed about a hundred disciples. It is said that he who knows how to divide himself will always have everything. This applies not only to Elize but also to each of us. We have to try it, and then we will experience something fabulous today.

The businessman says: “When I was in crisis four years ago, I went to talk to the priest. I had big aspirations. I promised the priest that when my business was successful, I would support him and be generous to the church’s goals… After some time, I stopped going to the priest. I wore the right shirt, joined a recognized movement, and became successful. Although I avoided it, I met a priest who reminded me of my resolution with generosity. “I am not asking for a church but a charity house; the latter is necessary. Maybe you will need it too, it is intended for the sick and the elderly. Such a facility is much needed in the city…” “I’ve lost my sense of such talk.” It is a typical example of these days. A person who is assured of daily bread can live peacefully. However, he who has to fear whether he will have a slice of bread does not live in poverty but misery. Poverty is one of Jesus’ demands. Poverty is the shame of the rich. Those who came to Jesus today did not live in poverty. Because of his words, however, they risked being hungry often. But Jesus did not want them to go away hungry.

Man does not live by bread alone. We would still recognize that. But few of us penetrate deep into God’s Word. Different “religions of youth” are emerging in the world, from the “Jesus Movement” to the “Family of Love.” They are attempting to find new ways. Let’s hope that everyone will see that original way, which is Christ, who said about himself: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We thank you, Lord, for the bread and wine, for the feast in which you unite us, that our life does not end in the maze that our life is a return home. We thank you for allowing us, for allowing us to live in trust and safety without fear. Furthermore, we rely on You because You gave us the bread of life – Jesus Christ, who may nourish us with his Body and Spirit on the way to You.