In today’s Gospel text, 18th Sunday, we find that Matthew, ventured on something which the other Evangelists did not. He purposely included two incidents in one. He had a very good reason to do this. We read about John the Baptist’s death and the Multiplication of bread.

Notice that these two incidents are both bound by a meal, a dinner, a feast; we all know that the decision by Herod to murder John was taken during a banquet … here we see the arrogance of Herod, his weakness, his power-craving, he feared for the loss of his popularity … because he was weak.
In the Multiplication of ‘bread’ we do have another banquet, this as a result of the Master’s love for those thousands away from their homes who thronged to listen to Him. Historians calculate the presence of about nine thousand, because only the number of men present is recorded in the Gospel. Jesus provided the ‘banquet’ out of mercy and love.

But what a contrast between these two banquets; the former was induced by hatred and the other one spurred on by love. Matthew has given us a ‘masterpiece’ of Gospel narration in this text.
Much can be said about this text. Another important point is that Christ’s Banquet can be bought for no amount of money. We all have experienced or organised a feast, a party, a family meal, and we all know the expenses incurred in this occasion. Just imagine providing food for thiose thousands of people … yet it was freely given. The Holy Eucharist is the best meal one can receive for eternal salvation and yet it is freely given by the Lord.

Twelve baskets were left over; that means that there was more food left to be distributed, and it is being distributed till this day … by the twelve that were left over and by their legitimate followers. The twelve might represent the twelve Apostles and the other disciples who were responsible for the spreading of the ‘Good News’, including our priests, Bishops and leaders of the Church.

One can be enlightened to find the meaning behind the symbols of ‘five fishes’ and ‘two loaves’.