Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
John 6:1-15
Offering, Giving Thanks, and Sharing

Today’s Gospel presents us with the sign of the loaves and fishes, a sign of God’s love and providence. John calls the mighty works of the Lord as signs. These days, medical doctors tell us that a fever is not a sickness but a visible sign of something deeper. Therefore, when we read about the signs in the Gospel of John, remember not to get stuck with the signs but to search for their deeper meanings.

In this sign, Jesus performs three key gestures — offering, giving thanks, and sharing — that continue to shape our lives, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist.

First, offering: A boy offers his humble five loaves and two fish. Despite their smallness, this offering becomes the material for a great miracle. In our lives, this gesture reminds us that even what seems insignificant can be used by God to reveal His glory. Just as we offer the bread and wine in the Mass, we too are invited to offer ourselves and our gifts, no matter how small they may seem.

Second, giving thanks: Jesus takes the loaves, gives thanks to God, and distributes them. This gesture teaches us the importance of gratitude. Everything we have is a gift from God, and in the act of thanksgiving, we acknowledge that all good things come from Him. Our feeble love, when offered to God, is transformed into a greater grace, just as the loaves and fish are multiplied to feed the multitude.

Lastly, sharing: In the Eucharist, we come together to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, a sharing that transforms and unites us. Every act of love and giving, when shared in communion, becomes an encounter of grace.

Let us reflect: Do we believe that we have something unique to give? Are we grateful for God’s gifts? Do we share in His love with others? May the Virgin Mary help us to embrace these gestures of offering, thanksgiving, and sharing in every Eucharistic celebration and in our daily lives.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025