The story of the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes is one of the few stories that all four evangelists tell about the life of Jesus. Matthew and Mark even have accounts of two multiplications. Obviously this incident impacted the followers of Jesus profoundly. At the remove of two thousand years the story moves us as well, not simply as an example of divine power manifest in Jesus. The greater lesson is found in why Jesus said he did what he did: “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd.” We can rely on that same compassionate gaze of Jesus on our lives as well. Jesus is moved with pity when he sees our struggles. We can rely on his merciful care.
