BREAD, FISH AND THE VICTORY OF GOD
The Rev. Harold Shepherd, CD, M.A., S.T.M., LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D.
Sermon from July 17, 2003

Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. John 6: 11-13

John’s account of the multiplication of bread takes place beside the Sea of Galilee. Having grown up in the Galilean village of Nazareth, Jesus had come home to preach. Sometimes referred to as “Galilee of the Nations,” this region combined both Jewish and Gentile populations. By the water, Jesus drew a large group of his compatriots to listen to his teachings. Discontent with Roman rule, this region witnessed the emergence of many advocating violent regime change. Poverty in small villages was contrasted the economic activity generated by fishing, farming, small business and trade. Underlying the malaise of the period was a yearning for a better future. Many saw in Jesus the one who would bring this about. Not by violent change, but through inner renewal of Israel that would lead to a new relationship between God and his people. These aspirations found symbolic fulfilment in the multiplication of bread.

As the Passover approached, Jesus gathered with his followers beside the Sea of Galilee. As the day advanced, it became apparent that most of the crowd had not planned to spend as much time with Jesus as they actually did. As a result, they had not brought enough food. Rather than send them away to try to find food, Jesus decided to share what they had. Fortunately, one boy was prepared. He packed a lunch of five barley loaves and two fish- a light snack for a growing boy. Jesus took the bread and fish, gave thanks, and distributed them. After all had eaten, twelve baskets were left over. Many scholars suggest that this may have been the first celebration of the Eucharist. Although technically based on the Last Supper, the multiplication of bread foreshadows this event in several key ways. First, disciples gather around Jesus, the Messiah, to hear the Word of God. Second, Jesus takes ordinary table food, gives thanks to God, then distributes it to his followers. God provides for all present. This is no ordinary meal. It has strong eschatological signification. That is to say, it looks forward to the future fulfillment of the Kingdom of God in Jesus.

Within Jewish tradition, one finds many references to the Messianic banquet. When Messiah comes, he will gather the faithful together in a great banquet. At the Last Supper, Jesus states that he will not drink of the fruit of the vine until he does so in the Kingdom of God. That is to say, the significance of the Last Supper is qualified by the future. When God establishes his reign on earth, the elect will gather at table with Jesus to celebrate the final victory of God. The apostles gathered with Jesus on Maundy Thursday, not to celebrate the defeat of evil and the definitive establishment of the reign of God on earth, but to eat with the Messiah in anticipation of the victory of God that will surely follow. The sense is that triumph is certain and can be celebrated now. In addition, the reign of God has already began to break into history in Jesus. Through following him, we can share in the power and reality of the Kingdom of God that will be revealed in all of its authority in the future. At table with Jesus, either at the Last Supper or by the Sea of Galilee, we share table fellowship with the Messiah as a sign and pledge that history is in God’s hands. His triumph is certain. In him, so is ours. Despite the setbacks, disappointments, wants and tears of our hearts, Jesus brings us into fellowship with God and meets our innermost needs. He nourishes the deepest parts of our souls that we may never hunger or thirst again. Only in Jesus can our souls find true peace, contentment and fulfillment, despite the heat of the day and weariness from the journey.

Those who spent the day with Jesus beside the Sea of Galilee went away renewed in both body and soul. Spirit and matter met in a very profound way. Jesus did not simply preach salvation of the soul, with no concern for other needs. He ministered to the whole person. So should we. He gathered people from a wide variety of backgrounds to become one people and to share their common resources. Within the seed sown that day, lies the harvest of the establishment of the reign of God on earth. May we open our hearts and experience Jesus’ reign in each Eucharist we celebrate!