Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
John 6:1-15The gospel reading for today is the feeding of the five thousand. In those days, they only counted men. So the number was probably closer to 15-20 thousand. That is such an incredible feat it is even hard to imagine. We have heard the story so many times, we just listen and dismiss it. But to actually feed 15-20 thousand people, would have to be a miracle! And with just 5 loaves and 2 fish given from the generosity of one young boy. One has to wonder at the thoughts that went through the little boy’s mind!
Another question that may arise is what the people thought of Jesus. it says in the gospel they said, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” Would you think of that miracle as coming from a prophet? Maybe the key word is “the.” Jesus is “The” prophet who was to come into the world.