Gospel Reflection - Jesus Feeds the 5000

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Since we can't do the traditional procession today, I spent some time reflecting on the Bible. The story that kept on popping into my mind is the miracle when Jesus fed 5,000 men. Sometimes they call this miracle, "The Multiplication of the Bread". This miracle is told on all four Gospels. But I chose the one told by John (and not because I have the same name). You can find this story in John 6:5-15. In John's version, there are a few additional details that you won't find in the other three versions. First in verses 5-7: (5) When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (6) He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. (7) Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Here, Philip estimated how much money they need to feed the 5,000 men. If you include the women and children the actual number could be between 10,000 to 20,000. Then Andrew presented then presented a boy who brought 5 small barley loaves and a couple of fishes in verses 8-9. But Andrew knew that it's not enough. Then on verse 11: Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. After the crowd had eaten, the disciples were able to gather 12 baskets full of scraps of bread left over. There are a number of points of reflection in this story. But I related my reflection on what we are experiencing today. 1) In this Gospel, people are hungry and nowhere near any market to buy food and it was getting late. 2) The available food that was presented was 5 small loaves of barley bread and two fish. 3) Jesus gave thanks for the bread and the fish and (in the Gospel of Matthew) gave them to the disciples and the disciples distributed them to the crowd and all were satisfied. (Matt 14:19-20). In the current situation, millions are getting hungry because of the work stoppage due to the Covid-19 virus. They have no other source income. In the Bible, Philip was quick to estimate how much money they need to feed the crowd or at least give them a bite of bread. Today, let's say out of the estimated 21 million households in the country, 10 million is currently hungry. How much is needed to give them one meal? P3 B? Just for one meal!!! In the Bible, the available was only 5 loaves of bread and two fish brought by a boy. Not a rich man. But a boy! Probably a farmer's boy too. But it was what Jesus need to start His miracle And how did Jesus performed His miracle? First of all, it's notable that he did not simply snap his fingers (with or without the Infinity Gauntlet), and the food magically appeared! No, he used the 5 loaves and 2 fish, gave thanks and blessed them and gave them to the disciples to distribute. My reflection on these actions? Jesus used one of the crowds to start his miracle. And more importantly, he uses the lowly or the weak represented by the boy. Out of the 5,000 men who went there, would you think that only that boy had the sense to bring some snacks? But He did not ask the disciples to look for someone else who brought more food. For Jesus, the five loaves were enough. And again, Jesus did not use His 'powers' to distribute the food. Rather he broke the bread and gave them to his disciples to distribute. My reflection? If we want a miracle to happen, let's not wait for a miracle to happen. We must become or be a part of that miracle. Like the little boy, he provided what was needed to start the miracle. The disciples also did their part. As a preacher once said, "We are blessed to become a blessing to others" Have a blessed Holy Week