When the Gospel of Mark intones the “sheep without a shepherd,” it is an invocation of an ancient prophetic theme. Prophets recognized that Israel was not without leaders, whether kings or priests, but these supposed leaders and their institutions were not serving the needs of the people. The shepherds had become wolves, and as always, it was the most vulnerable who paid the highest price.  

As Jesus looks upon the crowd that has nothing to eat, he is deeply moved with compassion and begins “to teach them many things.” What did he teach them? We don’t hear formal teachings. Jesus gives simple instructions that yield a miracle.  

Twice Jesus’ disciples insist that the only solution is to buy food, even though no one has the money to do so. They cannot see an answer outside of the very systems and logic that have failed them. Instead, Jesus asks them to do two things. They must realize what they have and then organize themselves. After doing that, they are able to share. From those key actions comes the miraculous result that all were fed with more to spare.  

It is easy to despair when we feel we have no shepherds, or even worse, when our shepherds turn out to be wolves. Yet, in these days following the Epiphany when the Magi did not pay heed to Herod, perhaps we are being called to stop looking above for solutions. Heeding Jesus’ call, we can realize our own dignity, organize in solidarity with others, and by sharing our fruits, find our baskets overflowing.