The High Cost of 'Me First' (John 6: 25-35)

 During the night, I listened to a radio interview on the increasing cost of food in NZ Supermarkets. A recent Government Report by the NZ Commerce Commission found that NZ shoppers were paying high prices by international standards while the Supermarkets were reaping high profits. The reason for this is partly due to lack of competition. All NZ Supermarkets are owned by two major distributors. This monopoly has a two-way effect. Consumers are paying more, and the growers are receiving less for their produce. According to the radio interview I heard during the night, growers are also charged for shelf space and for loss of their stock through theft. At the same time, an estimated 18,000 more children in poverty since the beginning of last year.

These statistics provided a backdrop to my reading of today's Gospel from John chapter 6 verses. 25-35 which continues the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish. Poverty was common and visible in the time of Jesus. It is estimated, 9 out of 10 people lived close to, or below, subsistence level. Unlike us in New Zealand, there was no State support or concern for the destitute. This was one reason why Jesus spoke so often about the poor. One sign of the Kingdom of God was people willing to feed the hungry; give water to the thirsty; welcome the stranger; clothe the naked; take care of the sick and visit those in prison – many of whom were incarcerated because they could not pay the levies and fines imposed on the poor(1). This was also one reason why Pope Francis commented that: 

“Poverty is at the heart of the Gospel. If we were to remove poverty from the Gospel, people would understand nothing about Jesus' message”.(2)

“It is also interesting to realize that when Jesus spoke of “blessed are the poor” he wasn't supporting material poverty, rather the hope that those who shared his vision of a Kingdom of God would help to create a world in which there was no material deprivation.(3)

It is this context that gives meaning to the Gospel story of Jesus feeding the 5000 people. He was providing a visual example for his followers to reflect upon and learn. If one person, through their faith and action, could make a difference to others – albeit as temporary as it was – what would the world be like if all people shared a similar vision? When we focus on our inadequacy or on the little resources we have, nothing will change; nothing much will happen. But when we, like the young lad who offered his small lunch of five loaves and two fish in hopeful anticipation, the God-factor steps in; “Give,” said Jesus, “and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down and shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back”.(4)

The crowd whom Jesus fed, did not get this either. They migrated after him, understandably hoping for another free meal. The composer of John's Gospel takes this story and uses it as a teaching event. While physical food is essential for life, its effects are transient. Physical deprivation will continue until the Gospel vision of equality for all is shared by every person – by both the poor and the wealthy alike. This is the radical message of the Gospel Jesus came to live and teach.

This story from John's Gospel also leaves us with the question: 'For what do I hunger?' 

The 'Me First' attitude of our age cannot give lasting satisfaction. Nor will greed or inequality or oppression of those less fortunate than ourselves.

The meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy, once said something that sounds very similar to the Gospel of Jesus:

“Let us love. Love is the inner bond, the inner connection, the inner link between us and God, between the finite and the infinite. True, this world of ours is full of hatred and disbelief, but that is no reason why we should not love and why we should not believe. Love is the inner bond, the inner connection, the inner link between us and God, between the finite and the infinite. By loving more and more one day we shall be able to solve all our problems.(5)

Kia mau te rongo me te pai ki a koe i to haerenga
May you find peace and goodwill on your journey.

Phil
_____________________
 

1 eg Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 18:1-8 

2Glatz, Carol, “Pope Francis: Concern for poor is a sign of Gospel, not a red flag of communism” Catholic News Service | Jun. 16, 2015 

3See Kairos Center: Jesus and Poverty: Preaching Power for the Poor People, https://kairoscenter.org/jesus-and-poverty-preaching-power-for-poor-people/ 

 

4 Luke 6:37-38 

5https://www.srichinmoyquotes.com/quotes-love/