April 16, Friday Easter Weekday

One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.--Psalm 27:(see 4)

Mass readings: Acts 5:34-42 / John 6:1-15

Our Generous God

When my niece and her husband were married about a year ago, 200 guests enjoyed a very nice reception (although we older folk thought the music was too loud). Like all such gatherings, I'm sure the food cost a lot.

In today's Gospel, thousands are following Jesus when He suggests His disciples buy food for the crowd. They object that 200 denarii -- a denarius paid for one day's wages -- wouldn't be enough to cover the cost. (The modern equivalent, assuming a five-day work week, would be everything a person earned from January through September!) In imagery reminiscent of Psalm 23, Jesus, the Shepherd, has the people lie down ''in green pastures'' and then multiplies a boy's five barley loaves and two fish to feed the great crowd. There were even leftovers!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your bounteous goodness to us.