A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (6:35-40)
Jesus said to the crowds,
“I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
But I told you that although you have seen me,
you do not believe.
Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
And this is the will of the one who sent me,
that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,
but that I should raise it on the last day.
For this is the will of my Father,
that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him
may have eternal life,
and I shall raise him on the last day.”
REFLECTION: The first verse in today’s Gospel, is the same as the last verse in yesterday’s Gospel; “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (Jn 6:35). It is beautiful. It is important! And it is worth repeating a second time!
This portion of the Gospel of John is famous and profound—it tells us so much about our relationship with God. God desires an intimate, personal relationship with us. Not for one moment, or for one day, or every Sunday during Mass, but for eternity! An eternity, that Jesus promises to believers in last phrase of today’s Gospel; “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day” (Jn 6:40)
Brothers and sisters, if you allow me, the opening and closing phrase of today’s Gospel, are like the “book ends” of our relationship with God. He feeds us “bread of life”, so we can live forever with Him.
How we live our life in relationship with God, in between those “book ends”, is our choice. And the choices we make in life, will determine our relationship with Jesus and our ultimate eternal existence. Living a life of faith, prayer, and service, reflecting Jesus’ teachings and values, strengthens our relationship with Him, and the opportunity for eternal life with Him. However, rejecting Jesus and following other paths, leads to separation from God and a different outcome.
Many believers have periods of struggle with faith, belief in the Gospels, and our eternal destiny after this life. Some, often rebel or reject the Word of God. The Lord knows this, and He still does not abandon us, or gives up on us. Rather, Jesus is simply saying to us, in today’s Gospel, that God, our heavenly Father, wants us His children, back. He will never reject anyone who goes to Him, and this is reflected wonderfully, in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32).
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Jesus Christ teaches us, to trust and rest in His promise of eternal life. Through silent meditation, do a self-examination to check, if you are actively seeking to understand and believe in Jesus Christ, trusting in His promises, and sharing His Good News with others. If you already are, how can you do better?
AUDIO REFLECTION:
