The Gospel plunges us directly into the middle of the bread of life discourse which despite its seeming complexity develops two major themes People will attain eternal life by coming to Jesus and being in union with him this coming and living in union flow from God rsquo s gracious initiative m

Throughout church history, pastoring (shepherding) has been a prime image for leadership and care, and today pastoral ministry includes not only those named or ordained as pastors but many who follow different calls to serve and lead others.

The accounts of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes offer ample material for reflection and prayer. Jesus meets that most basic human need, hunger, and does so with largess and compassion

Today’s Gospel provides a window into the life of the pre-Easter Jesus.

Awareness of God’s call, traveling light and risking rejection, these are the carry-ons for true prophets.

The Jesus who emerges from these stories is one who is compassionate in the face of human suffering and who makes the needs of these sufferers the norm for his action, to the disregard of social taboos and conventions.