In today’s Gospel we read about how the crowds followed Jesus onto a mountainside because they ‘saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick’. Over the last two months crowds have followed the Olympic Torch relay as it wended its way around the country en route to the Olympic stadium.

This week's news

                                                                   
After a summer of relative sporting failure, Bradley Wiggins gave the great British public
something to cheer about.

Sir Chris Hoy was confirmed as the flag bearer for the British team at Friday's Olympic opening ceremony.

The controversy over G4S’ handling of Olympic security continues.

The Olympic lanes in London have led to traffic delays.

Reflection

‘The greatest sporting spectacle on earth has come to the world’s greatest city’, says London Mayor Boris Johnson. While Mayor Johnson is known for his hyperbole, he is correct in highlighting how the eyes of the world are on London as it hosts the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It can be argued that there is something pseudo-spiritual about the whole Olympic ideal. Pierre de Coubertin, who is regarded as the father of the modern day Olympic movement, borrowed the motto ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger’ from a friend who was a Dominican priest. He later introduced another motto, ‘The most important thing is not to win but to take part!’ which he lifted from the Bishop of Pennsylvania’s sermon.

Up until 1960, each hosting country commissioned a specific Olympic hymn to coincide with their running of the Games, while the Olympic Flame, which has been travelling around the country over the last couple of months, supposedly marks Prometheus’ theft of fire from the god, Zeus, in Greek mythology. The Torchbearer, who is often followed by adoring fans eager to touch the torch, brings the Olympic message of fairness, freedom, integrity and valour.

In John 6.1-21 we read that Jesus, the light of the world, was followed by expectant crowds wanting to be ‘touched’ by him. Jesus’ signs and wonders ministry saw the deaf hear, the blind see, the lame walk and the dead brought back to life. Moreover, the authority with which he spoke led to one of his disciples suggesting that he ‘had the words of eternal life’. Jesus was therefore a Saviour of ‘words and action’, someone who would highlight a problem and subsequently resolve it. In doing so, he demonstrated his credentials as the great provider; a Lord who met both spiritual and material needs.

In the chosen Scripture passage, we see Jesus first pointing out to Philip that the crowd would require nourishment, and then enquiring about how their needs could be met. We are subsequently told that Jesus said this to test Philip because he already had a plan in mind.
The story of how Jesus feeds the large crowd with the two small fish and five loaves is one of the better known Gospel accounts. Jesus’ outstanding miracle reveals that he has the capacity to feed the hungry both spiritually and materially.

John’s account also reveals that the miracle was primarily the result of the disciple, Andrew, finding a boy who was willing to share his food. This passage of Scripture clearly demonstrates that God often uses men and women to carry out his divine purposes. What he requires is that we display the faith and generosity of the young boy, who was willing to share what he had with of others.

Prayer

Compassionate God, we thank you that when you see us need,
you do not ignore us.
Provider God, we thank you that you can meet all our daily needs. 
Miraculous God, we thank you that you can make the impossible possible,
changing lives in the process.
Merciful God, touch our hearts and make us more caring for those in need,
and help us to use the gifts you have given us to serve others.
This we ask in Jesus’ name.  
Amen.

Questions

• John’s Gospel suggests that the crowd followed Jesus solely because they “saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick”. Is there anything wrong with following Jesus for these reasons?
• Why does God sometimes choose to use men and women to carry out his purposes?

 

Action

Today’s Gospel reveals how the Lord used the meagre mealtime offerings of young boy who was prepared to share. When was the last time we offered hospitality to a stranger or even a friend? Why not invite someone who lives alone to dinner – this may prove an opportunity to deepen friendships and engender greater fellowship.

Young People

Today’s Scripture reading reveals how the unnamed boy’s generosity enabled the Lord to perform one of his most outstanding miracles. In what ways is it possible to display the boy’s generosity and openness to make a difference in the lives of others?

Richard Reddie is a writer and researcher. His latest book, Martin Luther King Jr: History Maker is published by Lion Hudson. He worships at St James Church (CofE) West Streatham, London.

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