Matthew 14:16-21 But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Today was the funeral of our longtime friend, Bernice Knapp. Bernice and I cooked dinners for the Church and the Washington Day Dinner, worked on dance recitals together, and both raised six kids. She had five in four years (twins), all boys and Susan. I had six daughters in eight years. We had South side Peoria in common. She was a McIntyre from St. Boniface, I a Scovil from St. Patricks. Both of us strong women, Bernice was a bit more abrupt than me and there were times I had to explain she was really a good hearted person that just came across that way - tough. I always thought it was a device to keep those five boys in line and she just forgot sometimes who she was talking to. She was an amazing cook and baker. Her Christmas cookies were works of art and she could make the most beautiful - and tasty - wedding cakes. We had many good times together. The above Gospel was read at her service.
Father Gary Caster, who teaches out East now, was an assistant pastor in St. Patricks Parish, Washington several years ago, but today he was back at St. Pats to say her funeral Mass because they were good friends. He told that when he was working in the parish, he conducted a Bible Study class and one time these verses from Matthew were on the study list. He gave his interpretation of the reading and asked: "Are there any questions?" Bernice raised her hand: "Okay, I get the loaves and fishes and Jesus blessing them and there being more than enough to go around, but where did the twelve baskets come from?" He said, that he went into a long discussion that it wasn't about the baskets but about the origins of our Church's belief that this was the first time that Jesus fed us, the beginnings of our Eucharist. He said it was lengthy and philosophical and he thought quite brilliant and when he looked at Bernice again with a questioning look, she said: "You still didn't tell us where the baskets came from." And over the years, this became a joke plus a bonding statement between them.
At the end of his homily today, he looked at her husband, children and grandchildren and the congregation and said: " I've had some time to think about the baskets lately in this Gospel passage and I believe that they were a metaphor that there was more than enough to feed the multitude just as through the Eucharist He fills us with not only His Body and Blood but with His love. And all of you, Bob, Susan and the boys, the grandchildren and all of her friends, you are her baskets, because you are filled with the good times and memories that she gave to you."
Rest in peace, Bernice.
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