B Cycle – 17^th Sunday in Ordinary Time 24

Jn. 6:1-15

 Faith is an interesting aspect of our human nature. We make reservations for cruises one year in advance believing we will be there when that day arrives. We make doctors’ appointments months in advance believing we will be there on that day.  We save for our children’s college education, plan our retirement all based on the belief we will experience both of those goals.  The dictionary defines faith as a belief in something or someone.  But faith in the Christian context is much deeper and how much faith we have does impact our lives.  Paul defined faith as “confident assurance in things unseen and yet believed.”  

Faith according to Jesus can move mountains.  He also tells us our faith does not have to be greater than the size of a mustard seed.  Each week, during mass we boldly proclaim our faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  But do we exercise our faith in a bold manner?   Moving mountains is a nice thought but we do not expect to be moving mountains. Perhaps we should be considering what we could do if we believe we could move mountains instead of doubting.  The truth is, we are as doubtful as the disciples were as they began the journey of discipleship.  We see their doubts in this story of the “multiplication of the loaves.” 

What is amazing about this story is how they prior to this day had gone out and healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, restored sight to the blind and cast out demons.  You would think that would have emboldened them and empowered them.  Long before the resurrection they were willing to “walk on water” and move mountains. They did believe that they could “do what Jesus did and far greater than those” (Jn. 14:12).  How could they heal the sick and cure the lepers and weeks later hesitate and doubt they could multiply a few loaves and two fish.   

The story challenges us to consider our own wavering faith.  How could the disciples not believe they had the potential to feed the multitude? Was the fact this miracle was something only Elisha had performed?  Were they unsure because Jesus had not given them the authority as he did when He sent them out two by two?  They did hear Jesus say, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5).  We know how this miracle unfolded as Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, blessed them, and told the disciples to begin distributing it to the people.  Now they had the authority to go among the people and at that moment they were truly walking in faith.