The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 14:13-21, a familiar account of Jesus feeding the 5000. The miracles of Jesus feeding the hungry multitudes are repeated several times in the Gospels, and they have several levels of meaning and application. Like all miracles, multiplying the bread and the fish is an assertion of Christ's divine Lordship over nature. It is also a manifestation of His compassion for human beings in need, especially those in need because they have come to hear Him.. He cares for the immediate physical needs of the people around Him, and He is trying to teach His disciples to respond to such circumstances in mercy and in faith.
In addition, the feeding of the hungry also points toward higher needs. Human beings also have a spiritual hunger. They may not always acknowledge this hunger, but that is why they are drawn to Jesus. And just as He can satisfy their momentary physical hunger, He can also satisfy their eternal spiritual hunger through His living Presence in Word and Sacrament.
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