On this Ninth Sunday after Pentecost we will be discussing the miraculous feeding of the people in the field (five thousand people!) by Jesus, using just a few fish and loaves of bread. We will reflect on this story and consider the power of God, made manifest by Jesus Christ in his mission of justice and mercy, and present in our daily lives.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Gospel according to John. You may find the Scripture lesson by selecting the following link: (John 6:1-21).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
After reading the Scripture lesson, reflect on the miraculous feeding and Jesus' actions, both with the crowd and with his disciples: what are your thoughts? (Note: do not focus on the "how did the miracle may have happened" question, but take the miracle as it is, and reflect on its impact)
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph in the guide below, reflect on "what sort of power the people of the crowd may have expected from Jesus"
After reading the "WHERE..." paragraph below, consider the following: what ways does Jesus show power, and what is its impact? How would you interpret the miraculous events in this story?
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the author's first sentence: "Faith communities also need to balance periods of intense social ministry with times of internal reflection on God's call." Consider the idea of being with Christ both by "individual and community worship" and "participating in public ministry"...how does one connect and feed the other?
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the author's last sentence: "When placed in the hands of Jesus, human weakness and finitude become more than enough." and respond to the reflection question: understanding that all humans have frailties and faults, how can we rely on Jesus and serve through our weakness?
