3rd Week of Easter
I am the bread of life. (John 6:48)
Have you ever skipped a meal and felt the stress on your brain and body? You may have felt fatigued, moody, or light-headed. Scientists tell us that prolonged fasting is not very wise as it can cause short- and long-term health problems. In fact, nutritionists have published a plethora of books to help us maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Well, in the same way that nutritionists are concerned with our physical health, Jesus is concerned with our spiritual health. That’s why he came to give himself to us as the living bread.
In addition to speaking about the gift of the Eucharist, the image of the bread of life also speaks about God’s revelation to us in Christ. When the Israelites were trekking through the desert toward the Promised Land, God provided manna to feed them. But that manna sustained only their physical bodies, not their spirits. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that God the Father sent him as a kind of food that surpasses the manna. Jesus, the Messiah, came to feed our spirits and to make a way for us to enter into heaven. He made it possible for us to live with God forever. He promises that all who eat of him—all who embrace his revelation—will be raised up to eternal life!
The good news is that in the Eucharist, Jesus gives us this food of eternal life here and now. We don’t have to wait until we die to “live forever” (John 6:51). We can begin to experience the grace of heaven by surrendering our lives to the Lord and letting him fill us daily with his grace, strength, and wisdom. Every time we eat his Body and drink his Blood, we can celebrate our redemption and receive even more revelation of his goodness. Every time we ponder his words in the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church, we can experience him filling our hunger and satisfying our thirst.
Today, join Peter in his great proclamation of faith and surrender: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
“Lord, you are truly the Messiah, the bread from heaven. Fill me and renew me.”
Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 66:8-9, 16-17, 20
Daily Marriage Tip for May 8, 2014:
Playfulness brings joy to a marriage, but some of us are very serious people. If you’re not the naturally playful type you may have to fake it. Even if you stumble you can laugh together at your awkward attempts.