Friday of the Second Week of Easter
(Acts 5:34-42; John 6:1-15)
The gospel calls Jesus’ feeding the multitude a “sign.” It is a fair question to ask, “a sign of
what?” There are at least three levels
of meaning for this sign.
First, the feeding is a sign of human solidarity. Jesus shares bread with the multitude because
hunger hurts and humans must help each other alleviate it. Second -- as Jesus will make clear in future
gospel readings -- the feeding represents
the Eucharist. Jesus will give his body
and blood so that his followers may become virtuous in him. Finally, the feeding signifies God’s love for
all. As the gospel memorably puts it: “God
so loved the world that He gave His only Son.”
The Father sent the Son so that humans might not perish because of their
selfishness but have eternal life because of his sacrifice.
The participants of Jesus’ feast want to make him king. With similar impetus we worship Jesus as
Lord. But Jesus rejects such honors if
those who propose them do not try to become like him. The change requires more than imitation when
it is convenient. It demands following
him faithfully so that our love is purified of egotism.
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