'Where are We to Buy Bread?'
This weekend we celebrated grandparents and elderly day at the parish. As the administrative team brainstormed the celebration different ideas were presented. We eventually decided on small tokens and an after Sunday morning Mass breakfast of coffee and a small plate of sandwiches and sweet bread.
As the moment arrived, the relevance of this week’s Gospel narrative, crossed my mind. In John 6:15 Jesus seeing the crowd asked Philip ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ The Gospel narrative goes on to say that Jesus already knew what He was going to do.
I believe Jesus saw the potency of the occasion to teach his disciples and the crowd on many different levels. On the most literal level - the multiplication of loaves and fish, but also a lesson in faith, self-sufficiency and thanksgiving and even more, as we would explore this week.
As I mingled among the parishioners gathered there, I experienced the warmth and diversity in the small crowd. There were middle aged and seniors with smiles on faces and eyes twinkling with the wisdom of years and hands that had held generations. The air was filled with the soft murmur of conversations, laughter, and the occasional heartfelt greeting.
Grandparents exchanged stories, their words weaving a tapestry of shared history and community. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of sweet bread, creating a comforting atmosphere that wrapped around everyone like a cozy blanket. The open space felt alive with a gentle energy, a blend of reverence and joy, as we celebrated the legacy of elders and the ties that bind us all together.
As the ‘Events and Hospitality’ team bustled around, trying to keep up with serving the guests, I was concerned about the potential for misunderstandings or offhand remarks that might unintentionally offend someone. As the space was a hive of activity, with people moving this way and that, creating a lively atmosphere.
But then, I remembered the scene from the Gospel, where Jesus fed the 5,000 on a hillside, and it struck me that such gatherings, no matter how well-intentioned, are bound to have moments of tension or discord. I reassured myself that just as Jesus had managed the crowd with grace and compassion, we too could navigate any challenges that arose, focusing on the love and unity that brought us together.
There is a unique warmth in church celebrations, a sense of connection that transcends the everyday. The smiles exchanged, the shared stories of hope, charity, and faith, all contribute to an atmosphere that is truly life-giving. As I left after helping with the tidying up, I felt a deep sense of hope for our new parish.
The morning’s event had given me a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the community, woven together by the diverse experiences and perspectives of members. It struck me that this must have been what it felt like at the spontaneous gatherings around the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus drew people together with His teachings and presence.
Those gatherings, filled with joy, curiosity, and a sense of shared journey, must have carried a similar warmth and energy. The same spirit of togetherness and inspiration was palpable in our parish, reminding me that the core of a faith community lies in these moments of unity and collective celebration.
The morning Mass and breakfast was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of a shared journey, a journey that promises to nurture and strengthen the bonds of a growing parish family.
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