Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B 25th July 2021
Lectionary Readings: 2 kings 4 v42-44; Psalm 145 v10-18; Ephesians 3 v14-21; John 6 v1-21.
Caring and sharing.
‘One boy brought loaves and fishes no other food was there,
but Jesus fed the thousands and still had bread to spare.
The miracle of plenty soon spread beyond that place.
That simple gift was offered then multiplied by grace’. (Marjorie Dobson: Singing the Faith No.243 v3)
Some commentators suggest that the ‘feeding of the five thousand’ and ‘Jesus walking on the water’ are not ‘miracles’ at all, but can be explained away by rational thinking. The boy’s offer to share his bread and fish, could have been an example, an encouragement to the people to share the food they carried with them, with others who had none. The ‘walking on the water’ incident, could have been Jesus walking on the shoreline, after all, the disciples were closer to the shore than they realised. (see John 6 v21b).
The gospel writer John views these incidents as ‘signs’ of God’s compassion and of the ‘Lordship’ of Jesus. John was writing at least sixty years after the events he describes. He sees them through an ‘Easter’ lens, he understands the actions of Jesus as revealing God’s true nature, his love and compassion for the people, especially the poor, the hungry and the vulnerable.
The prophet Elisha was confident of God’s love and ability to provide for a hundred people, despite seemingly inadequate supplies. “There’s not enough here for a hundred people,” his servant said. “Just give it to them,” Elisha replied. “The Lord has promised there will be more than enough.” So the servant served the bread and grain to the people. They ate and still had some left over, just as the Lord had promised. (2 Kings 4 v 43, 44).
The Psalmist, likewise is in no doubt about God’s generosity. “All creation will thank you and your loyal people will praise you. They will tell about your marvellous kingdom and your power. Then everyone will know about the mighty things you do, and your glorious kingdom. Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful.” (Psalm 145 v10-12, 15,17).
In the reading from Ephesians, ‘Paul’ writes, “God is wonderful and glorious. I pray that his Spirit will make you strong followers and that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. Stand firm and be deeply rooted in his love. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3 v16, 17, 20, 21).
God works in and through those who are willing to be channels of his grace, (his generous, unmerited, loving kindness), towards others.
In verse four of the hymn quoted above, Marjorie Dobson writes;
‘Lord, keep our care of money from turning into greed.
Help us to use it wisely to meet each other’s need.
For whether poor or wealthy, we have so much to share
and open-hearted giving will show your loving care’.
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.