God's Word to Us: 17th Sunday - B (July 25, 2021)

This blog intends to provide readers an opportunity to be nourished by the Word of God. It invites readers to read, reflect and pray the Gospel passage that they will hear during the upcoming Sunday's Liturgy. With the commentaries provided, readers have the possibility of studying and meditating on the Word. Finally, readers are invited to share their reflections, thus creating an on-line lectio divina/faith sharing group, and so sustaining each other in the faith and the love for God's Word.

July 24, 2021

17th Sunday - B (July 25, 2021)

Our Five Loaves of Barley Bread

John 6: 1-15

At the time of Jesus, barley bread, unlike wheat bread, was the bread of people who were poor [1]. And there were only 5 loaves for a crowd of 5 thousand people.

What matter is the attitude – the attitude of Jesus. Jesus noticed the hunger of the people. Nobody asked or suggested that he gave the crowd food. It was Jesus who took the initiative to feed them.

“Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them” to the people. These three actions are the very actions Jesus would do when he gives us the Eucharist, the gift of himself – the gift of God’s life and love.

The number of people and their needs are so great. We might not have much. Five barley loaves might be all we have. With Jesus’ attitude and united with him in his gift of his Eucharist, our five barley loaves can satisfy the hungers of people.