The story looks backwards and forward in the Divine Plan. It clearly has echoes of the manna in the desert (Exodus 16) and Elisha’s similar fete of feeding the crowd with a few loaves. (2 Kings 4:42-44) More importantly, the language Jesus uses is similar to the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. (Mt 26:26) Finally, it foreshadows the Messianic banquet at the end of time.
Matthew adds to the powerful story of the loaves and fishes by placing it after Herod’s banquet where he had John the Baptist beheaded. The differences in the two banquets are amazing. Here are just a few of the contrasts revealed in the two meals:
Herod’s banquet:
- Exclusion
- Jealousy
- Violence
- Degradation of women
- Power, wealth and privilege
- Waste and extravagance
Jesus’ banquet:
- Inclusion
- Sharing
- Peace
- Celebration of the dignity for all
- Presence of the poor
- All satisfied and twelve baskets leftover
This is an example of so much of Pope Francis’ message that is at the center of his call “for a poor church for the poor.”
Our world today and throughout history is organize with the values of Herod’s dinner The Gospel calls us to enter into Christ world by sharing, peace , service and inclusion of all.
Jesus teaches us that in the Gospel world, the world open and accepting of the loving Father He proclaims, things are different. When you give away there is always more. Only when we hold on and hoard and seek to find our security in our possessions do we experience loss and insecurity and fear. In Jesus’ world we begin to see the poor and the hungry not as an inconvenience and burden but as an opportunity to share and give and love. In this way we multiply our own loaves and fish few as they may be.
