Aug. 2, 2026
Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”
But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”
Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. Matthew 14: 16-19
This week, we are blessed to hear Matthew's account of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes. It is the only miracle of Jesus before the Resurrection that is recorded in all four Gospels. Volumes have been written about how each account is similar and yet unique to serve a theological purpose. At the heart of each Gospel is an appreciation that this is one of the most important events in Jesus’ ministry. As disciples, we can identify with those who followed Jesus with our own needs and hungers.
Matthew's account is concise compared to others but it maintains something at its core that connects us with the Eucharist. Notice the words that I put in bold above. The motions remind us of our Eucharistic liturgies. At each Mass, bread and wine are brought forward by the people. The priest takes the gifts, lifts his eyes to heaven, says the blessing, and breaks the Bread. Now transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, the priest gives the Sacred Species to the ministers who in turn share the Eucharist with the people.
The Gospel of Matthew is the only one to place this miracle immediately after Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist. Jesus has just received heartbreaking news. Like any of us after a loss, he longs for solitude. He seeks a quiet place to pray, to grieve, and perhaps simply to be alone. After disappointment, grief, illness, or overwhelming stress, even coming to church can feel like one more painful thing to do. Sometimes we simply want to withdraw from everyone.
Jesus wanted to be left alone but the crowds followed Him. Rather than be frustrated or angry like we might have been, Matthew tells us that Jesus' heart was moved with compassion. The One who came seeking comfort becomes the One who offers comfort.
How often has responding to the needs of others helped lift us from the depths of our own loss and despair? We have all experienced moments when we come to church hoping simply to slip quietly into the pew, unnoticed and left alone with all the burdens that may be weighing us down. The liturgy gently draws us into something greater than ourselves. It gathers us into a community where we discover that we are not alone.
Arriving famished, we are greeted by people who welcome us, the music that lifts our spirits, the Word that feeds us, the faith that unites us, prayers that sustain us, and ultimately the Eucharist that fulfills us. Finally, we are sent forth as Jesus sent forth his disciples to bring hope and healing love to our communities.
As inspiring as this mission might be, we can also relate to the disciples who at the end of the day were overwhelmed with the idea of feeding the crowds. They saw the multitude as a problem and were very much aware of how little they truly had to share. Rather than share that negativity, Jesus took the resources they had and multiplied them so that all were satisfied.
We can relate to so much, especially when we feel down and out. We sometimes focus on what is 'missing.' In our parish community we immediately want more people to fill the pews and provide more volunteers and ministers for the many ministries our church offers. We think of what we can't do because of the lack of financial resources. Perhaps we could remember that what we do have is just the beginning. Jesus takes what we bring and returns abundant blessings.
I feel truly blessed to serve as the pastor of Corpus Christi and All Saints on the Hudson. Opportunities abound to grow in faith, serve our neighbors, and strengthen our parish families. This week we kick off our annual Vacation Bible School, blessed with an abundance of enthusiastic children and an extraordinary team of volunteers and ministers whose faith, generosity, and joyful spirit will help nurture and nourish our youth in countless ways.
Next weekend, our parishes will join three other local churches in the wonderful community effort known as Sleep in Heavenly Peace, building beds for children in the Capital Region who do not have a bed of their own. Volunteers will be guided through every step of the assembly process, and donations of twin-sized bedding are also welcome. The Bed Build will take place on Saturday morning, August 8, at Talmadge Park in Mechanicville. If you would like to be part of this inspiring day of service, please contact me at george.fleming@rcda.org. Together, we can help ensure that every child has a safe and comfortable place to lay their head.
As I write these words, All Saints on the Hudson is preparing to welcome hundreds of people to our annual Feast of the Assumption. Many will come for the wonderful Italian food, games, raffles, community booths, specials at the thrift store, and the outstanding music of the TS Ensemble, one of the Capital Region's premier bands for weddings and special celebrations. My hope, however, is that they discover something even greater: a parish family striving to share the hospitality of Jesus. We begin by honoring Our Blessed Mother, and from that celebration flows everything else.
If you have never experienced our Feast, I warmly invite you to join us. Whether it is your first time or you have been joining us for generations, whether you come for a cup of coffee, homemade desserts and Italian bakery items, or a delightful full meal, you will be fed…in more ways than one! Mangia!
As I look ahead to these coming weeks, I cannot help but give thanks for the many ways God continues to nourish His people through our parish communities. Each event reminds us that Christ still takes the ordinary gifts we place in His hands and multiplies them for the good of others. None of us possesses enough on our own, but together, offered to the Lord, our gifts become more than we could ever imagine.
A wonderful example that serves us is the fifth anniversary of Father Matthew Duclos’ ordination next week. Father Matt was nourished in his faith at Corpus Christi as a Music Director and then as a Pastoral Associate. Before entering the seminary, he served at All Saints on the Hudson. Today, he continues to nourish God's people as a pastor of two parishes, which include a school. His vocation reminds us that we never know how God will multiply the faith, encouragement, and opportunities we offer to one another. Please remember Father Matt in your prayers with gratitude for his ministry and with confidence that the Lord will continue to bless him and the people he serves abundantly.
May the Lord who multiplied the loaves and fishes continue to multiply the faith, hope, generosity, and love found within our parish families. May Jesus nourish us at His table so that we, in turn, may become nourishment for others. God bless you!