(Please read the Scripture passage before reading the homily.)
Jesus saw a vast crowd. For us, this would be an occasion to preach the word. Jesus, however, cured the sick instead. Then he fed them. These actions were a better lesson that a speech.
This is the first of two stories of multiplying loaves. Here, twelve baskets are left over after feeding 5000 men, not counting women and children (1500 more?). There seven baskets are left over. Twelve stands for the twelve tribes of Israel; seven stands for the tribes of the Gentiles. We may see in the seven the classical number of the continents.
The feeding, then, is for all, believer and non-believer alike. Jesus came to save and feed all. Jesus made no exceptions.
His actions, moreover, teach us not to make exceptions. Christ is for all, not just for some. If we have talents, whether personal or national, they are for all, without exception.
For us, this is hard to learn. We tend to think in terms of private property, not in terms of communal sharing. Yet all our personal talents and wealth come to us as gifts that we have received, and gifts are meant to be shared. This true also of our national talents and wealth, for we have received them as gifts or, at times, by conquest; and they are meant to be shared.
Whom will we meet today, what crowds will meet us as we go our way? Do they seek our words or healing from us? Our actions and gestures are better signs than our words.
All whom Jesus fed ate and were satisfied and twelve baskets were left over. If we do the same, all will be satisfied and much will be left over.