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: Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, like me, most of you have heard the beginning of today’s Gospel. We have heard it several times. We believe it in our heads, and in our hearts. But sometimes, the routine of faith—the constant, weekly consumption of the Eucharist—can turn a radical miracle, into a familiar ritual—just a ritual. “I DO BELIEVE, HELP MY UNBELIEF!” Does that sound familiar also? We find that verse, in the Gospel of Mark 9:24.
In this “Bread of Life” speech from Jesus, Jesus brings us back, to the most important hunger/thirst, of the human heart.
He tells the crowd in the Gospel—and He tells us today—”I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE; WHOEVER COMES TO ME WILL NEVER HUNGER AND WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER THIRST.”
Do we truly believe that all the time? If we do, why then, are we still looking, to satisfy our deepest cravings for purpose, love, and security in all the wrong places and things, that are temporary, or in the things that perish? Or why many Catholics, lack reverence to the Eucharist, when receiving Him?
Jesus invites us to a “refreshed” belief, by focusing on three profound realities, in today’s Gospel:
1. Jesus says; “…whoever comes to me will never hunger…”
Sometimes, we feel unworthy because of our sinful nature, our laziness, or our sometimes, indifference. But Jesus, in His unending mercy and abundant love, looks at you/me, knowing our failures, and promises, a “no rejection” policy. Our past, our doubt, our indifference—none of it, is greater than His mercy. He wants you/me, all His children, to come to Him.
2. Jesus says; “…THAT EVERYONE WHO SEES THE SON AND BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, AND I SHALL RAISE HIM ON THE LAST DAY.”
This is a promise of security. In a world, where everything changes and falls apart, Jesus promises that He holds ALL his children. Human salvation isn’t based on our strength, but on His grip. A grip that never let’s go—ready to rescue us from our deepest pit. None of God’s children are a random soul; rather, a gift from the Father to the Son.
3. Jesus says; “…I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE.”
When we approach the altar, we are not consuming a symbol. We are approaching the Creator of the universe, who became small enough to be eaten, so that He can dwell inside us.
In moments when our belief has become lukewarm, or even cold, may we ask ourselves: Am I just going through the motions? Today, Jesus is asking us, to look at Him with fresh eyes. Don’t just eat the bread at our next Mass; rather, let the Bread, eat away our restlessness.
Action for the Day: Meditate on today’s Gospel, and the three profound realities, I mentioned in the reflection. Then, the next time you approach Him at Mass, do it believing that He is the TRUE bread. That He will never drive us away, and that He holds us secure, until the last day.
Audio Reflection:
