Today's Gospel presents one of the most beloved miracles in all of Scripture - the feeding of the five thousand. This miracle is much more than an extraordinary display of Jesus' power. It is a revelation of His compassionate heart, a lesson in discipleship and a foreshadowing of the Eucharist. The Gospel begins with Jesus withdrawing to a deserted place after hearing of the death of John the Baptist. John was not only His cousin but also the one who prepared the way for Him.

Jesus sought solitude to grieve and pray. Yet the crowds followed Him on foot from their towns. Matthew tells us, "His heart was moved with pity for them and He cured their sick."