THE MIRACLE OF THE BREAD AND FISH

MARK 8 1 to 8

During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said:

I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.

His disciples answered:

But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them? How many loaves do you have?

Jesus asked. Seven, they replied. He told the crowd to sit down on the ground.

When he had taken the seven loaves and given t hanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. Th e people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.