Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/573

 them many  things. When He  had  finished  His  discourse,  He  cured the sick  that  were  brought  to  Him.

Now the  day  was  already  far  spent,  and  His  disciples  came to Him  and  said:  “Send  them  away,  that  going  into  the  next villages and  towns, they  may  buy  themselves  meat  to  eat,  for  we are  here  in  a desert  place.”  Jesus  said:  “They  have  no  need  to go. Give you  them  to  eat.”  He  then  inquired  how  much  bread they had. Andrew replied  that  there  were  only  five  loaves  and two fishes. Jesus said:  “Bring  them  hither  to  me,  and  make  the men sit  down.”

When the  multitude,  numbering  five  thousand  men,  besides women and  children,  had  sat  down  on  the  grass,  Jesus  took  the loaves and  fishes,  and,  looking  up  to  heaven,  blessed  them ,  and gave to  His  apostles  to  distribute among  the  people.

Now all  the  people  ate  and  were  satisfied. And Jesus  ordered His disciples  to  gather  up  the  fragments,  lest  they  should  be  lost They did  so,  and  filled  twelve  baskets with  the  remainder  of  the five loaves  and  two  fishes. The multitude,  seeing  this  wonderful miracle, said  among  themselves: “This  is  the  Prophet indeed,  that is to  come  into  the  world.”

Jesus knowing  their  thoughts,  and  fearing  that  they  would make Him  king  by  force,  told  his  disciples  to  sail  across  the water, while  He  Himself  went  up  into  the  mountain  to  pray.