Loaves and Fishes by Joseph Grassi

Loaves and Fish

By Joseph A. Grassi

Introduction

One key to understanding the New Testament is to look at it from the angle of Christ's use of meals in His ministry and preaching. This was a discovery made by studies of biblical scholars using modern tools that help understand the "food language" in the Gospels. They also point out that this has a counterpart in the Old Testament, through the "manna" eaten by the Israelites in the book of Exodus. The book, "Loaves and Fishes", by Joseph A. Grassi, says that the gospels are not merely "food for thought and reflection", but rather refer to actual food or bread, which is found in almost every page of the four gospels. Grassi's book, studies this food language by analyzing the miraculous feeding narratives (the multiplication of the loaves) in each of the four gospels.

Analyzing Matthew 14:13-21

When this passage of the gospel is read every 18th Sunday of the Year (A), one will notice that it comes from Matthew's version of the multiplication of the loaves. Author Grassi makes an analysis and comparative study of this passage. He says that the mentioning of five thousand men, not counting women and children, is a custom that goes back to ancient times when meals and banquets were usually men's affairs. However, when the women and children were included in the text of the gospel, Grassi sees this as in agreement with the emphasis on the theme of family provided by Matthew in his gospel. One has only to note that Matthew mentions in his first two chapters the names of Joseph, Mary, and the child Jesus frequently (indicating the theme of family).

Parallel study of Matthew 14:19 and Matthew 26:26

Author Grassi also takes the gospel verse of Matthew 14:19 and makes a parallel study of it with the text of Matthew 26:26 (on the Last Supper passage). He says that the action of blessing done by Jesus in both these gospel verses show a striking similarity.

• Matthew 14:19 (on the Feeding of the Five Thousand)


• took the five loaves and two fish
• [he] blessed
• and broke them
• and gave the loaves
• to the disciples


• Matthew 26:26 (on the Last Supper event)


• took bread
• [he] blessed it
• broke it
• gave it [the bread]
• to his disciples

And when one also looks at the words of the Eucharistic Prayer I of the Holy Mass, you will also find an important similarity

• Eucharistic Prayer I (Holy Mass liturgy)


• he took bread in his sacred hands
• he gave you [Father] thanks and praise
• He broke the bread
• gave it [the bread]
• to his disciples

The Eucharist Prayer I of the Holy Mass

From these parallels, one can see how the words of consecration in the Eucharistic Prayer I of the Mass, takes its source from both the miracle account of the multiplication of the loaves and the Last Supper event. Author Grassi also mentions in a special way how the last phrase "to the [his] disciples" conveys an important meaning for Catholics today: that this sequence in which Jesus' action of giving the bread to the disciples, and the disciples also giving the loaves to the crowd (in the event of the multiplication of the loaves), invites all the Catholic faithful (clergy, religious and lay) to continue this Eucharistic tradition in the Church. All Catholics of all walks of life are to participate in the Eucharistic action of sharing and giving Jesus (the Bread of Life) by extending the Eucharistic spirit of charity to all people in the particular situations of their life and work.

Outline of Joseph A. Grassi's book

There are many more details in Grassi's interpretation. His book actually encompasses the four feeding narratives in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. For those interested to learn more of what is found in this New Testament study, Grassi's book is outlined as follows:

• The Four Feeding Narratives in Parallel Columns
• Antecedent Biblical Feeding Motifs
• The Markan Feeding Narratives
• The Matthean Version
• The Lukan Version
• The Johannine Version
• General Conclusion: Bread, a Central Issue in the Four Gospels

Biographical information on Grassi

Author Joseph A. Grassi is a professor in the department of religious studies at Santa Clara University. His interest in the feeding narratives also has its pastoral side: he has initiated in many churches the Skip-A Meal program to provide food for the hungry. His other books are: "God Makes Me Laugh: A New Approach to Luke"; "The Hidden Heroes of the Gospels"; and "Children's Liberation: A Biblical Perspective".