While Eucharistic language and Eucharistic symbolism colour the two feeding stories, (Mark 6:34-44; 8:1-10); Mark has included the second story for the benefit of his Gentile Christian community. He wants to reassure them that messianic BLESSINGS which Jesus brings are meant for them just as for the Jews.

Not only do the Gentiles share in the blessing of salvation, but the Eucharistic meal which is symbolised by the feeding story unites both Jews and Gentiles into one community in Christ. This is the symbolic meaning of the second feeding story (Mark 8:1-10) as presented in Mark.

Jesus is for all Jews and Gentiles. He gives himself and becomes the broken bread to the hungry, whether Jew or Gentile. It is only when this Christ-like universal sharing becomes a pattern of life in the Eucharistic community of the Church that unity will become a reality in our midst. To celebrate the Eucharist is to celebrate our unity and effect it in our historical situation. People of varied backgrounds, social status and education have to become one precisely by a process of sharing bread, namely, all that sustains and promotes human life.When that happens there will be no barriers among people, no oppressors and oppressed.