Tuesday after Epiphany
(I John 4:7-10; Mark 6:34-44)
Both structure and content make today’s gospel a reflection
of the Eucharist. Structurally, Jesus
teaches the people before he feeds them.
So at mass the Word of God is read and commented upon before the
Eucharistic meal is prepared. Content-wise, Jesus takes the little bread available
and looks up to heaven as the Roman Canon says.
Then he blesses the bread, breaks it, and gives it to his disciples as
he will do at the Last Supper.
Both the feeding of the five thousand in today’s gospel and
the Last Supper anticipate the Messianic Banquet in heaven. Alluded to in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah the
Messianic Banquet will unite all the saints in a feast of food and a sharing of
love.
Hearing the gospel at the end of the Christmas season, we
might remember Christmas dinner. It could
be the one of two weeks ago or perhaps a memorable Christmas of the past. We were with loved ones, felt at peace with
God, and not anxious about anything. It
was heaven come to earth for which we could think of no better way to respond
than to give thanks.
