Post-feast of the Transfiguration; Holy Martyr and Archdeacon Lawrence (249-51)
Dormition Fast.
Read
Romans 14:6-9; Matthew 15:32-39
Skeuophylakion. Try to pronounce this word. Sounds Greek to you? That’s because it is. The skeuophylakion was the place located on the north side of the great church Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) in Constantinople (now Istanbul) where the elements needed for the Eucharist were collected and stored. People would bring bread and wine that would be used. It is surmised by some that other gifts were brought there that the deacons would distribute to the needy after the Divine Liturgy. It is from the small offering of bread and wine that is offered that the Lord changes to the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Divine Liturgy (the great heavenly feast made present to us—and we to it) from which we are nourished.
Today’s Gospel hints at the Mystical Supper. Even though the disciples had already witnessed a multiplication of food (we heard about this about a week ago), they still relied on their own resources, this time seven loaves and a few small fish. We hear in the words of blessing of our Lord that He gave thanks, broke them, and gave to the disciples to give to the people. Sound familiar – just like our Lord taking what small things we have to offer and at the Eucharist (it literally means thanksgiving) He distributes to all through His clergy. In the Gospel where it says that they ate and were satisfied, it has the connotation of eating and being full like at a great feast. And the seven hampers that were full are not seven small personal baskets that were usually carried by the people but very large baskets that would probably take two to carry when filled.
Today, the bread and wine used for the Divine Liturgy are usually prepared by a small group of people in the parish. Does that mean that we have nothing personal to offer? Certainly not. What can you offer to the Lord that can be used in the distribution to others? Time? Talent? Treasure? Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.