Jesus responds to seeing the approaching crowds by lifting his eyes to God in prayer, knowing what he will do. He fulfils his mission by always looking to his Father and shows us what we need to do. Let us keep our eyes on God and seek his will for us.
There will be more gifting now. Jesus turns to Philip, asking him how they can feed all the people. Philip thinks it is impossible. Jesus turns to us, too, to provide for the needs of those who are most oppressed, most excluded. He includes us in God’s invitation to participate in God’s mission of love. Do I think it is impossible too? It is impossible
without God, but we too are called to lift our eyes to God, “for nothing is impossible to God” (Luke 1:37).
Then, Jesus asks his disciples to invite everyone to sit down. They will sit in groups like families or communities at a gathering. No one is excluded. None are told that they are not acceptable, not good enough, not worthy. He invites thousands to sit down for a meal! Jesus invites all to God’s banquet, God’s realm.
Am I invited to God’s banquet? Who do I exclude? Who will I include? Who does God include?
