Of all Jesus' miracles, only this feeding of the 5000 is recorded in all four gospels. Obviously this story, and the complementary feeding of the 4000 (found in two gospels), were favorites of the early church. Perhaps part of the reason for their popularity is that the feeding miracles communicate on so many different levels. If we focus on Jesus we see the image of a compassionate good shepherd. Shift our gaze to the disciples and the text becomes yet another example of their failure to understand Jesus' power and presence. Finally, the church has always been attracted to this miracle because the church sees itself in the same business: providing bread for those who are hungry. The feeding of the 5000 mirrors the Eucharistic feast that the church has been called to celebrate.

Mark's rend…