7/29/18: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Everybody has a Hungry Heart

In today's Gospel we have John's account of the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. When we read John, we have to be aware that he is working on various levels and employing the use of symbolism. In fact, when we look at this account, we realize that John is using words to describe the feeding of the 5000 with words that we commonly use to describe the Mass: taking the bread, giving thanks, distributing it, gathering the leftovers. We see Jesus as the Good Shepherd who provides food for his flock. And who is the flock? It's we hungry people, who hunger for more than bread but whose "hearts" are hungry: for love, for acceptance, for meaning. This is the case whenever we go to Mass. We come hungry for what only God can give us. And He responds to our need, not giving just enough, but so that we have our "fill". He gives to us superabandantly. He gives us Himself.

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