Read Matthew 14:13-21

After John the Baptist is murdered, Jesus desires a time of solitude. Still, his compassion for others will not allow him to dismiss those who need him, and he is moved to perform one of his greatest miracles. This is the only miracle story that appears in all 4 Gospels:  Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10b-17, John 6:1-15. Which versions have the people sitting in military formation, platoons, and companies? Which Gospel mentions a specific source for the loaves and fishes? Which versions mentions the cost of buying enough bread in town? Which Gospel suggests that there were more than 5,000 persons involved? What connection do you find between this Gospel reading and the reading from Isaiah 55?

Prayer for the week

Gracious God, your generosity waters the world with goodness, and you cover creation with abundance.  Awaken in us a hunger for the food that satisfies both body and spirit, and with this food fill all the starving world; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen.