So, what exactly is a “fleshpot”? Hearing the Liturgy of the Word proclaimed in English after Vatican II, out popped that word! (I don’t think I’ve seen it anywhere outside of the Book of Exodus.) The Chosen People, led by Moses, have escaped Egypt and the clutches of Pharaoh. But the excitement has ebbed, and they are now hungry and thirsty. God (through Moses) provides water. But what to eat?
Scripture scholar Jean-Pierre Isbouts writes: “Having likely been raised on a daily diet of bread and beer, their hunger turns them, once again, against Moses. Some cry that they were better off sitting by the “fleshpots” in the land of Egypt – an exaggeration to be sure, for no slave in Egypt was fortunate to eat cooked meat.” The rather histrionic moaning and groaning of the people moves Moses and, of course, God provides. Both manna and meat come to them, the latter as quail, which go right into the stewpot (i.e. “fleshpot”)!
The Psalm response makes today’s theme crystal clear: “The Lord gave them bread from heaven.”
Matthew’s Gospel (13:1-9) reveals Jesus teaching the parable of the sower and the seed. Growing grain to make bread requires a large field, plowing, and a sower with a good arm to broadcast each handful of seed. Jesus describes many outcomes and reminds us that the yield may be as much as thirty, sixty, or even a hundred-fold. God will provide!
In the Eucharist, we have nourishment greater than any manna or “waybread” for our journey! The Sacrament provides for body and soul. As Father Eymard writes to Adele Martel: “A master feeds his servant: so, receive Communion every day. Imagine how hard your work would be if you did not eat the bread of life!”
Let Us Pray:
Dear God, in our unworthiness, we pray always for the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. May your Holy Eucharist sustain us in all we hope and do for the coming of your Kingdom! Amen.
