Memorial of St. John
Neumann, bishop
(I John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44)
A fascinating mural covers the wall of the dining room wall in
the Dominican priory serving the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Where one expects an image of the Last
Supper, there is a painting of Jesus feeding the immense crowd in the gospel
today. The substitution suggests that the
feeding, depicted in today’s gospel, also represents the beginning of the
Eucharist.
Although the poor enjoyed a satisfying meal, this passage does
more than illustrate Jesus’ call to feed the hungry. It reminds its listeners that they have him
to share with any and everyone as spiritual nourishment. He is the bread of life on which the world
might grow spiritually. His words
resonate deep in the soul to move beyond self-interest. The sacrament of his body and blood strengthens
the mind and will to make sacrifices for the good of the community.
Heard at the beginning of January, this gospel assures us
that Jesus will directly provide for our needs throughout the year. We will lack neither bread nor desire that
makes our lives not just happy but efficacious.
