Jesus in the Midst

08-02-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

The multiplication of bread is the only miracle story found in all four Gospels. Here, Jesus feeds 5,000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish. The people are delighted by a deed they had never seen from their leaders. Yet, once their hunger is satisfied and their awe fades, they forget the true meaning of the event. Jesus teaches us to look beyond the surface, to reflect more deeply, and to discover the real treasure of life: Jesus in the midst of His people. “What is essential is invisible to the eye... The essential things in life are seen not with the eyes, but with the heart.”

Another important element of the multiplication narrative is the involvement of His disciples, which helps them realize their own power and great potential. If we entrust everything to the Lord, He can use us as His instrument to accomplish many things for His people. He could have fed the five thousand in a more spectacular way, but Jesus wants His disciples to learn deeper lessons in life and the values they bring in everyday life. After blessing the bread, He gave it to them to distribute. The disciples broke the bread and gave it to the people until they were filled. The subtle message is the Kingdom of God is within us, but it is also among us and between us!

Jesus in the midst is the most important truth: He is among His people. The multiplication of bread also points forward to the institution of the Eucharist. He wants to be in our midst every time we celebrate the Eucharist. If only people would listen to God from within and learn the deeper meaning and value of the miracle, they would know that Jesus feels the longing and hunger of His people. He is in our midst, which only the heart can see. He is with us, and He wants us to obey His commandments and remember that there is enough for everyone, as shown by the twelve baskets of leftovers. Obeying Him would bring peace, unity, reconciliation, and sharing. He is present in our midst, and He lives in each one of us. Unless we acknowledge His presence after we are filled, we will be like the people in the Gospel who felt only their physical hunger satisfied yet remained spiritually thirsty and hungry.

“God knows what your silent heart wants, even if you don’t include it in your prayer. He hears what your heart whispers. He may not give it to you now, but someday, when you least expect it, things will happen in the best possible way.”

Jesus, you are in our midst. Help us to be aware of and feel Your presence with us and among us.