The multiplication of 5 loaves and 2 fish is concerned with the self-revelation of Jesus. It is a sign that in Jesus, God's reign, His presence, power and concern are at work. In Lk. 9: 16, we see that it is close to that of the institution of the Eucharist. In fact, the 5 verbs and actions of Jesus resemble that of the Last Supper and the formula of the early Eucharistic celebration. These verbs are 'taking', 'looked up', 'blessed', 'broke' and 'gave' as in Lk. 9:16 and in Lk. 22:19, we have 'took', 'gave thanks', 'broke' and 'gave'. This miraculous feeding is meant for the disciples and manifests that in Jesus God Himself feeds His people.

In the second reading, Paul describes how the early Christian community celebrated the Eucharistic meal. For Paul, the broken bread is a symbol of Christ's body given for sinners (Lk.22:19) and the cup is a symbol of the new covenant in Jesus' blood. (Lk.22:20, Jer. 31:31-34).

In the first reading, Melchizedek offered the food and drink as a sign of friendship and hospitality. This action is a pre-figuration of Jesus, 'great high priest' (Heb.4:14) whose priesthood is thus 'in the order of Melchidezek'. Jesus offered his whole life for us.

Today as we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, we are challenged to deepen the meaning of Eucharist for us; how his body - taken, blessed, broken and given, takes place in our daily life.