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Thanks to Deacon Vincent for his Reflections on the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

1st Reading from the second book of Kings 4: 42-44.
What we call “books” in the Old Testament, are in fact “scrolls”, and not necessarily written at the same time. Books of Kings continues the story of Israel. Elisha was Elijah’s disciple and continues God’s work in guiding the people of Israel. In this passage Elisha receives a gift of twenty barley loaves and fresh grain in the ear. Elisha instructs the servant to give it to the people. The servant is incredulous, how can this meagre portion feed one hundred men? Elisha insists that the Lord said, “Give it to the people to eat, and there will be some left over”. The servant does as he is told and indeed there is food left over. We are witnesses to a multiplication of loaves 600-560 BC. Much as some modern theologians like to discount miracles such as this. The people accepted these happenings without any hesitation. Maybe we might show the same respect and realisation that God is not bound by our restrictions.

Psalm 144: 10-11, 15-18.
A psalm of God’s greatness and goodness. God opens his hands to fill every living creature with pleasure. God enhances gifts to embrace those whom God wishes to bless. The Psalmists all have respect and are sure that God is not bound by human restrictions. We need to learn more about God’s ways and trust fully in God’s love for us.

2nd Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 4: 1-6.

We continue our reading of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Paul re-emphasises the unity that we should have through the same Spirit in all of us. We need to strive for unity of faith and knowledge as Sons of God. Marvel at the wonder of humanity, and grow into fulness in Christ Jesus, so that we are no longer infants, but fully fledged adults not tossed by the storms within the community, or carried here and there by every breeze or idea, and be aware of the craftiness of human beings, and avoid anything that could lead us away from the Lord God. Paul’ whole life is centred on oneness with Christ Jesus, as the antidote of every evil. We might try and emulate his faith.

The Holy Gospel according to John 6: 1-15.
This episode of the feeding of the five thousand is also in all the Synoptic Gospels. The Old Testament is reflected in the New Testament and vice versa. We have an almost identical story of how Elisha fed the crowd, slightly smaller than Jesus’ crowd. But still the same effortless way that the men of faith can ask the Father to bless the small offerings and multiply them to feed the people who had gathered around God’s chosen ones. Jesus, like his Father is a good Shepherd and will feed his sheep. All three readings today are steeped in Eucharistic significance. Paul insistence of our oneness in Jesus, Elisha feeding the people around him at God’s request, and the same with Jesus, ensuring that his followers will be fed. No one goes hungry, unless they wish to. God open handedly gives in abundance to those who hope and trust in Him. The crowd will mistakenly wish to make Jesus King at this feeding, but we shall see at the end of his life Jesus is indeed king, but not in the sense that they understood.
God, always bless us with that bread from heaven, especially at the end of our Lives.
Deacon Vincent.