Exodus 16.2-4,12-15/ Ps.78.3+4, 23+24, 25+54/ Ephesians 4.17,20-24/ John 6:24-35
Discourse on “the Bread of Life” gives us a broader understanding about God`s presence and care. In here, we are tracing back the fidelity of the Lord to the Israelite community even after they (the Israelites) had fled from Egypt. We have at least in our first reading today how the Lord responded to the Israelite community who grumbled of hunger against Moses and Aaron. Several times the same faith community (the Israelite community – old Jerusalem community) has forgotten or at least doubted the Lord`s power and care.
Just as last week`s point for reflection, we are focusing on the gospel of St. John about the discourse on the “Bread of Life.” At the later part of our reflection, we will realize that Jesus Himself is saying that He is “the Bread of Life” (cf. John 6.35). Thus, He continued to say, “whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
Let us always reflect on His Words of guidance and encouragements. Let us continue to find what Jesus is telling us in our daily readings of the bible, and in our quiet times. Let us continue to accept Jesus as the Bread of Life and grow more each day in our relationship with Him.
While we come to church at least once a week (during Sundays especially), attending mass, reaching-out with others in the church, and having a cup of tea with some good friends at the parish hall, we at the same time lend our ears for others, and truly live at present with others. When done with open heart, we are being led anew and find new meanings in almost everything. Indeed we find the Word of God overflowing even in simple and humble activities we have. Then we will just be inspired to say a little prayer of thanksgiving before sleep because we received Jesus as the Bread of Life.
The letter of Paul to the Ephesians encourages us to discard our old ways and renew our mind. Our former life that is corrupted by selfish and worldly desires is replaced by the formation of new self that is seen from salvation in Christ. Accepting Jesus as the Bread of Life sustains our new self and gives us the capacity/power to radically embrace Christian living.