DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: Jesus, the bread of life. 

The Word:  "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord." (John 6:56)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:  Acts 9:1-20

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 117:1.2 (R. Mark 16:15)

Verse before the Gospel: John 6:56

Gospel: John 6:52-59

Inspiration: Our Lord's description of Himself as the "Bread of life" has been a recurring theme throughout this week. One could ask why did He identify Himself with the image of bread? 

Obviously,  in Jewish culture and even in our society today "bread" is seen as one of the cheapest commodities that one can afford no matter the type provided it satisfies hunger at that point in time, so it was in Jesus' time. Jesus employing this image, symbolises availability, ever presence and accessible. It is in the light of this that He says: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord." (John 6:56). The bread here goes beyond that which Israelites ate in the desert and yet were still hungry. Thus He reminded us: "This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever." (see John 6:52-59)

This precious sacrifice for humanity is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah who said: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name 'Emmanuel,' which being interpreted is, God with us. shall call." (Isaiah 7:14) This reminded us of the ever abiding presence of God through His Son. 

Beloved in Christ, as we gather around the Table of the Eucharist this morning let us be ever conscious of the fact that He is always with us, not only when the going is juicy but  in our  painful moments, distress, and despair. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we who have come to know the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection, may through the love of the Spirit, ourselves rise to newness of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns both now and forever. Amen

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