The miraculous feeding of the multitude marks a defining moment in the public ministry of Jesus.  His compassion for the crowd leads to an abundance of blessings symbolized in the twelve baskets of fragments left over.  Although Jesus performs the miracle, the disciples distribute the loaves and the fish.  In this gesture, Jesus leaves a teaching for the disciples and for us.  We are called to share in his ministry, as he clearly states, “Give them some food yourselves.”  We may not have the same powers of Jesus, but we have the same mandate: to nourish our brothers and sisters with the compassion of the Lord.