Believing There Is Enough
The story commonly known as the “ Feeding of the Multitude ” is one of the best-known of the miracles of Jesus. It has been reflected on by countless theologians and preachers and is among the most frequently portrayed in works of sacred art. And yet, it seems that this is one of those stories that is wrapped in a sort of holy cocoon, isolated and unrelated to the realities of our day-to-day lives. But it’s a very real story with the very real experience of hunger at its center. Matthew’s account of this miraculous meal follows immediately after the account of the death of John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod ( Matthew 14:1-12 ). Jesus, having heard of John’s murder, goes into the wilderness to pray and grieve. And with this journey into the wilderness, the scene is set. Jesus and the Apostles are joined by a huge crowd of people who are hoping to see and hear this famous teacher. Jesus was moved by their presence: “his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured thei...