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About the Loaves and Fishes Meal Program
What is it about the story of the Loaves and Fishes that captivates us so much? This is one of only 3 stories that are found in all 4 of the narrative Gospels, (Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; Matthew 14:13-21; John 6:1-15). The other 2 stories are Christ’s baptism and passion. What happened that compelled this story to be told and retold by so many of Christ’s early followers? Could it be that in an agricultural society that was under the political rule of a mighty foreign power, having enough food to eat when resources were scarce was a miracle almost beyond belief?
Each of the Gospel writers tells of many people gathering from the surrounding countryside to hear Christ’s preaching. At the end of this long day, 5000 people are in need of food and lodging. The disciples’ first instinct is to send the people away to fend for themselves. Christ asks for the food at hand: 5 barley loaves and 2 fish. He blesses this meager meal, and then asks to have it distributed. The gathered throng had enough to eat, and more, such that there were enough leftovers to fill 12 baskets. Many of us would want to receive a blessing of such abundance on a good day, and definitely when times are tough.
The Loaves and Fishes program began at St. Stephen’s during the turbulent 1960’s. Many of the parishioners felt that feeding the hungry and the homeless in the St. Stephen’s neighborhood was the only decent thing to do. Over the years, many other congregations in the Diocese of Washington, other organizations, and private individuals have helped us to serve meals to those among us who need the blessing of 5 barley loaves and 2 fish.