A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

When Jesus heard the news of the beheading of John the Baptist, he withdrew by boat from Nazareth to a deserted place to be alone. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot away from the towns.  When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast throng, his heart was moved with pity, and he cured their sick.

As evening drew on, the disciples approached Jesus with the suggestion, “This is a deserted place and it is already late.  Dismiss the crowds so that they may go to the villages and buy some food for themselves.”  Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to disperse.  Give them something to eat yourselves.”  “We have nothing here,” they replied, “but five loaves and a couple of fish.” “Bring them here,” Jesus said.  Then he ordered the crowds to sit on the grass.

Taking the five loaves and two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven, blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, who in turn gave it to the people.  All those present ate their fill.  The

fragments remaining, when gathered up, filled twelve baskets. There were about five thousand families present.

The Good News as spoken through Matthew.