The Word: At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
Mystery of the day: Glorious
Celebration of the day: Ferial
Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 8:1-8
Resp. Psalm: Psalm66:1-3a.4-5.6-7a (R. 1)
Verse before the Gospel: John 6:40
Gospel: John 6:35-40
Inspiration: In the Old Testament mention was made of manna in the desert which could well be described as "bread" in the present day usage (cf. Exodus 16:1ff.)
Etymological, the term "Manna" is derived from (Hebrew: מָן, romanized: mān, Greek: μάννα; Arabic: اَلْمَنُّ; sometimes or archaically spelled mana) is, according to the Bible, an edible substance which God provided for the Jews during their travels in the desert during the 40-year period following
Interestingly, the Scripture told us that after they must have eaten this bread from above they were still hungry. It will be recalled that this God's blessing came when hope must have lost, when they were hungry and weak in their sojourn to freedom. This encounter was the foretaste of what we have seen in today's gospel pericope, where Jesus Himself revealed Hinself to us as the "Bread of life." "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)
Here Evangelist John reminded us of who Jesus is, the bread which satisfies our hunger, gives us strength to forge ahead and above all making us united to the Master. As we daily celebrate the Holy Eucharist, an encounter with the Son-God at the Eucharistic table; do we actually believe in the Divine presence? If we do, then the sick will be healed, lame will walk, blind will certainly regain sight, those in tears will be comforted, etc. Obviously, when neither of these come to our way then our encounter with Him is shallow and we need to take a second look at our personal relationship with Him in the Holy Eucharist.
Finally, our encounter with this living bread (the eucharist) was meant to give us hope beyond telling, a hope that Israelites had in their exilic experience. We pray together today, that the good Lord may strengthen us to see Jesus in our life as true "Bread of life" that satisfies our hunger and heals us of our infirmities. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Be present to your family, O Lord, we pray, and graciously ensure those you have endowed with the grace of faith an eternal share in the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 17042024
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