April 20, 2021

Jn 6: 30-35

So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Meeting Jesus in the world around us

Jesus is the bread that lasts forever. We will never be lacking him and we can never have too much of him. But what does this mean? We have the Eucharist of course, but maybe it is the relationship with Jesus that gives us that strength that is worth more than regular bread. So when we are hungry for justice, let’s think of Jesus throwing out the money changers. When we are thirsty for compassion, let’s think about Jesus healing and raising Lazarus. If we are starving for companionship, let’s turn to all the moments of awe in wonder in our life where we know Jesus has been there. For in him, everything we need, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, will be met if only we look for him in the world around us. 

—Alex Hale, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic from the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.

Prayer

Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O Good Jesus, hear me

Within your wounds, hide me

Suffer me not to be separated from you.

From the evil one, defend me.

At the hour of death, call me,

And bid me to come to you

That with your saints I may praise you forever and ever.

Amen.

—Anima Christi