When Jesus heard this, He withdrew by boat from there to a deserted place by Himself. The crowds heard of it and followed him on foot from the towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast throng, His heart was moved with pity, and He cured their sick. As evening drew on, His disciples came to Him with the suggestion: "This is a deserted place and it is already late. Dismiss the crowds so that they may go to the villages and buy some food for themselvs." Jesus said to them: "There is no need for them to disperse. Give them something to eat yourselves." "We have nothing here," they replied, "but five loaves and a couple of fish." "Bring them here," He said. Then He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed and broke them and gave the loaves to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the people. All those present ate their fill. The fragments remaining, when gathered up, filled twelve baskets. Those who ate were about five thousand, not counting women and children. |
