I remember as a child loving the story of Jesus and the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Maybe because it is such an accessible story. Jesus saw the people were hungry and needed food. The apostles rustled up some bread and fish and there was enough for the crowd. There were leftovers. The concepts were so clear. I think even then I understood that idea from the Alleluia today: “One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”

The loaves and the fishes give us that reminder of Jesus as God and human. He understood that people were hungry; he knew what hungry felt like. He knew the people were eager to hear his words, but they needed sustenance to listen and then to return home. By finding food and making sure there was more than enough for everyone, Jesus also showed us the importance of community, of taking care of others in any way we can.

So often, I am way too human. I’m not paying attention to the word of God or spending time on prayer and reflection. During those times, I realize I feel empty, an emptiness that no amount of food and drink will fill up. God is there. I just have to remember that presence again and again. And one way to do that is to remember to find God in all things as St. Ignatius tell us. Let me pay attention to those around me. Maybe they are hungry for a kind word, a noticing of their humanness. Maybe they are hungry for someone to listen. Let me notice and listen as Jesus did. Let me remember what it is like to be hungry for sustenance physically, emotionally and spiritually. Let me find God and humanity in those around me.