People like gatherings because gatherings make them feel like they’ve been a part of a shared experience, part of something bigger than themselves.  But it’s best when we’re there in person.  We’re kind of wired to seek out shared experiences in life.  Whether it’s for fun, as the annual Groundhog’s Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, or for the fanfare of the annual SuperBowl game experience.   The experience of the feeding of the 5,000 was the same type of event.  It was a gathering of like-minded people who came together for a shared purpose – to hear the teachings of Jesus.  Despite the name of the event, Jesus met more than just the physical needs of the people who were there.  Jesus also met their hunger for spiritual truth and their thirst for the words of life.  These people were fed in many ways, and they went away changed.  Today, we, too, can be changed through the gathering at the Communion table.

Based on Mark 6:30-44.