Deacon: Wisdom! Arise! Hear the Holy Gospel!

Priest:    Peace to you all.

People:  And to your spirit.

Deacon:  A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew (14:14-22)

People:  Glory to You Lord. Glory to You.

Priest:   Listen!

Deacon:

At that time Jesus saw a great crowd. He felt compassion for them, and healed their sick.

When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, 'This is a lonely place, and the day is now finished. Send the people away to the villages to buy food for themselves.'

Jesus said, 'They do not have to go. Give them something to eat yourselves.'

They answered, 'We only have five loaves and two fish with us.'

So Jesus said, 'Bring them here to me.'

Then he directed for the crowds to sit on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish He looked up to heaven. He blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the crowds.

They all ate as much as they wanted. Then they collected twelve baskets full of scraps.

About five thousand men, plus women and children had eaten.

Straight away he told the disciples to get into the boat and go ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

People: Glory to You Lord. Glory to You.