Readings for sharing bread

John 6:1-15

Reading one: Bread and solidarity
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip: "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Commentary: The world with shared bread begins with sensitivity to humanity and the need of our neighbor. Jesus knew that the multitudes were hungry and felt their same hunger. This is the meaning of compassion: "to feel with". A change for Colombia and the world begins with feeling the hunger, the aspirations, the needs, the dreams, and the anguish of our neighbors and acting in solidarity with them.

Reading two: Bread and the current economy
Philip answered him, "Eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"

Commentary: Philip responded to Jesus with the condition of the market economy. When the motor of the economy is enrichment and unhealthy hoarding of a few, it is difficult to satisfy the needs of all. But if the motive of the economy is to truly satisfy the real needs of people, we find that there is enough for everyone to spare.

Reading three: Bread shared in community
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter´s brother spoke up, "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

Commentary: An alternative to the current economy that leaves millions of people suffering hunger and necessities was set in motion by one child's act, perhaps because things begin with what is most simple. He offered to share what he had, the lunch his mother had packed. If we start with what we have at hand and share it to care for those around us, we create a community of happiness and sufficiency.

Reading four: Bread and organization
Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.

Commentary: Good will does not suffice. Jesus organized the multitude into groups. And they understood that if they set aside individualistic attitudes and selfishness they would achieve the common objective of improving the their situation. Organization and coordinated work permits us to make changes in our nations so that there is bread and peace for everyone.

Reading five: Bread and Prayer
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

Commentary: Instead of complaining and asking so much from God, we would do well to give God thanks for his abundance and share it with love. When we sow seeds of community and sharing, God multiplies our effort in amazing ways. The story does not relate how so much food appeared: if everyone began to share what he or she brought or if the bread was miraculously multiplied. What is certain is that work backed by prayer can do much.

Reading six: Shared bread-abundance for everyone
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley leaves left over by those who had eaten.

Commentary: Today when millions within our own boarders lack food, shelter, land, healthcare and education let us notice that in Colombia and around the world there are sufficient riches to satisfy the needs of everyone. Changing economic policies, changing the priorities from the billions of dollars spent on arms to food and well being, we can transform Colombia and the world into a place with bread and peace for everyone.