On the Miracle of the Loaves

From  
Meditations on the Life of Our Lord 
by J. Nouet, S.J.


Nineteenth Week after Pentecost - Monday

1st Point. "One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, saith to him: There is a boy here that hath five loaves, and two fishes, but what are these among so many?" (John, vi. 8, 9.) The Son of God had chosen the disciples as the minister of his Providence, and would have them supply the matter on which he intended to exercise his sovereign power.  He needs not your services, yet he designs that you give something on your own part, to receive his benefits.  By co-operating with him in daily life, render yourself worthy of extraordinary graces of almighty power.

2nd Point. "And he commanded them that they should make them all sit down by companies upon the green greass.  And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties." (Mark, vi. 39., 40.)  The spirit of Jesus is a spirit of order.  Preserve in all your duties the order prescribed by those through whom he governs you.  When the charity of Christ shall reign in your heart, that virtue will establish perfect order, there ranging the senses under the guidance of the spirit, the passions under reason, and nature under grace.

3rd Point. "And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes: looking up to heaven he blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave to his disciples to set before them: and the two fishes he divided among them all.  And they all did eat, and had their fill." (Mark, vi. 41, 42.) How stupendous the miracle wrought each day at the table of the Lord for the nourishment of souls, in the multiplication of his Precious Body and Blood! "And when they were filled, he said to his disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost." (John, vi. 12.) With what vigilant zeal should you gather up in your heart, every grace, so that the faithful remembrance, and frequent consideration of his goodness, may increase his love in your heart!