We have heard the story of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes many, many times. But do we know how it begins? Well, in the Gospel’s first verse, St. Matthew tells us that “when Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by Himself.” So, at the beginning of the story, it seems as though Jesus was planning His activities a little bit differently than what they actually turned out. He was trying to have some time by Himself so that He could mourn the death of His friend. Can you imagine the heaviness of His heart at that moment? Not only because of the tragic and violent murder of John; He was probably also concerned that He would be Herod’s next victim. He needed at this moment a chance to collect Himself, pray and regain some sort of perspective. But it was not to be. He could not get away from the needy crowd. So what did He do? We know what He did; He loved them-all day long. Matthew says that “His heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.” And even at the end of the day He refused to send them away. He fed them, you might say, from scratch. In this Gospel story, we learn not only that Jesus miraculously fed the 5000, we learn about the unbelievable love that He has, for His people. Not only did He feed them with virtually no food, He fed them with just about nothing left in His spiritual and physical tanks as well. And isn’t that what love really is? Love is much more than doing kind things when everything is going well and in order. Love is extending ourselves for the other when it seems like we have nothing left to offer. It is something we do for others when it costs us. So what would Jesus do when He wants only to grieve for His lost friend? He cares for the 5000 all day long and sends them home only after providing them with nourishment. That’s the example we are called to follow.