THE MIRACLE OF THE BAON
People wanted to follow Jesus even if they had to cross deserts and mountains, even if they would go hungry. But Jesus proves to be more realistic than them. They would go hungry — definitely. Thus, the miracle. But behind the miracle is a boy who had five barley loaves and two fish. He brought provisions for himself. It seems odd that a mere child knew what to do while many other people, older than him, forgot about their needs for such long journeys and stints with Jesus.
We see another simple miracle here: a boy who was ready to let go of his own bread and fish so that others may not go hungry. Surely, he must have been listening to Jesus and lived His teaching. The miracle needed to start somewhere, somehow, from somebody who had bread and fish. I don’t know how the Apostles convinced the child to give all that he had at the moment. But I’m sure he happily did it with the disposition of a child. Jesus has always been fascinated by children. They’re pure and simple, kindhearted, selfless, obedient, faithful, trusting.
He believed that he could part from his baon (packed meal) knowing that Jesus will provide for him. It took a young, simple and selfless individual like him for a great miracle to happen. His selflessness and willingness to share is a miracle in itself. Not all people would do the same.
And it happened. About five thousand got their fill of bread and fish. It must have been one great picnic. And when they gathered the leftover, 12 wicker baskets of fragments were collected. Jesus gave them more than they needed. His love is simply overflowing — just like what happened in the days of Elisha when a hundred people were fed and some leftovers were collected. God’s generosity remains the same yesterday, today and forever.
Today, we remember the great miracle performed by Jesus and overflowing generosity and sensitivity to our needs. We also remember the boy who shared his own bread and fish. We don’t know his name, but we hope to find him in our midst — today. Fr. Erick Y. Santos, SFO
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you willing to share whatever you have for the sake of the greater good?
Lord, help me to discover the joy of sharing and giving.
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