and other ordinances; but often we go away unhealed and unblest. Let us approach Him as that woman did, in humble and simple faith, and then He will give us far more than either we desire or deserve. THE TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. ST. JOHN, VI. 5–14. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat? (And this he said to prove him; for he himself knew what he would do.) Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley-loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and, when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down, and likewise of the fishes, as much as they would. When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley-loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. THIS Gospel is also appointed to be read on the Fourth Sunday in Lent. I have therefore not thought it necessary to explain it a second time, but would refer the reader back to the Gospel for that Sunday. The only difference between the two is, that the former Gospel includes also the first four verses of the chapter. Since our Church brings before us this portion of Scripture twice over, may we regard it with special attention, and find the reading of it very profitable to our souls! Truly God's word is unlike any other book. We may read it again and again, and each time gather fresh instruction from it. And now that we have gone through together these precious portions of Gospel History which the Church selects for our Sunday reading, God grant that both reader and writer may have learnt some lessons which shall find their resting-place in our hearts, and shall help us on in the pathway of everlasting life. LONDON: Castle St., Leicester Square. |