Lord, give us this bread always!

Readings: 1st: Acts 6:8-15; Ps: 30; Gos John 6:30-35

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com. 

Today, Tuesday of the third week of Easter, we continue with the discourse of the bread of life.

If one reads the gospel according to John superficially, one may have the impression that John always repeats the same thing. However, reading it more attentively, one will find out that it is not a question of repetition.

So, it is important to note that the Bread of Life is not only a text to be discussed. Rather, it is a discourse that should be carefully reflected and meditated on.  

The text on the Bread of Life demands much attention in order to deepen ones understanding of it. John has his own way of repeating the same theme, but always at a higher and more profound level.

Even after seeing the miracle of the multiplication of bread, the people continue to argue with Christ: “Which sign will you do, so that we can see and can believe? Which work do you do?” They reminded Christ of Moses work in the desert.

However, Jesus reminded them of something very important. This is what differentiates him from Moses. It is also what differentiates Christ’s work from the work of Moses.

The true bread of life is Christ. He is the one who conquered death and gives life. The true bread of life is the one that descended from heaven and gives life to the world. It is Jesus Himself.  So, Jesus reminds us: “I am the bread of life!”

What does all these mean for us? A lot! To eat the bread form heaven is to believe in Jesus, and accept all that he teaches us. So, in every Eucharist, Christ brings us life, even if we do not understand or comprehend it.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!