Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 113
Lectionary: 113
The whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
The Israelites said to them,
"Would that we had died at the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt,
as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!
But you had to lead us into this desert
to make the whole community die of famine!"
Then the LORD said to Moses,
"I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.
Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion;
thus will I test them,
to see whether they follow my instructions or not.
"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites.
Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh,
and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread,
so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God."
In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.
In the morning a dew lay all about the camp,
and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert
were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground.
On seeing it, the Israelites asked one another, "What is this?"
for they did not know what it was.
But Moses told them,
"This is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat."
The Israelites said to them,
"Would that we had died at the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt,
as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread!
But you had to lead us into this desert
to make the whole community die of famine!"
Then the LORD said to Moses,
"I will now rain down bread from heaven for you.
Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion;
thus will I test them,
to see whether they follow my instructions or not.
"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites.
Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh,
and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread,
so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God."
In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.
In the morning a dew lay all about the camp,
and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert
were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground.
On seeing it, the Israelites asked one another, "What is this?"
for they did not know what it was.
But Moses told them,
"This is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat."
Responsorial
PsalmPS 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54
R. (24b) The
Lord gave them bread from heaven.
What we have heard and know,
and what our fathers have declared to us,
We will declare to the generation to come
the glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength
and the wonders that he wrought.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
He commanded the skies above
and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained manna upon them for food
and gave them heavenly bread.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Man ate the bread of angels,
food he sent them in abundance.
And he brought them to his holy land,
to the mountains his right hand had won.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
What we have heard and know,
and what our fathers have declared to us,
We will declare to the generation to come
the glorious deeds of the LORD and his strength
and the wonders that he wrought.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
He commanded the skies above
and opened the doors of heaven;
he rained manna upon them for food
and gave them heavenly bread.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Man ate the bread of angels,
food he sent them in abundance.
And he brought them to his holy land,
to the mountains his right hand had won.
R. The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
Reading 2EPH 4:17, 20-24
Brothers and sisters:
I declare and testify in the Lord
that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do,
in the futility of their minds;
that is not how you learned Christ,
assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him,
as truth is in Jesus,
that you should put away the old self of your former way of life,
corrupted through deceitful desires,
and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new self,
created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth.
I declare and testify in the Lord
that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do,
in the futility of their minds;
that is not how you learned Christ,
assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him,
as truth is in Jesus,
that you should put away the old self of your former way of life,
corrupted through deceitful desires,
and be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new self,
created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth.
AlleluiaMT 4:4B
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone,
but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelJN 6:24-35
When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there,
they themselves got into boats
and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
And when they found him across the sea they said to him,
"Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered them and said,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
you are looking for me not because you saw signs
but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."
So they said to him,
"What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."
So they said to him,
"What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:
He gave them bread from heaven to eat."
So Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father 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."
So 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 hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst."
they themselves got into boats
and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
And when they found him across the sea they said to him,
"Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered them and said,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
you are looking for me not because you saw signs
but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
Do not work for food that perishes
but for the food that endures for eternal life,
which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal."
So they said to him,
"What can we do to accomplish the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them,
"This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent."
So they said to him,
"What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:
He gave them bread from heaven to eat."
So Jesus said to them,
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father 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."
So 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 hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst."
Meditation: "Lord,
give us this bread always"
Is there anything in this life that can truly satisfy
our deepest hunger and longing? Many sought Jesus out because he offered them
something no one else could give - bread from heaven from the very hand of God
himself. When Jesus had performed the miracle of multiplying five loaves of
bread and two fish to provide a refreshing and satisfying meal for more than
5000 people (see John 6:1-15), they wanted to make him their king - no doubt
because they wanted more. When Jesus withdrew from the crowd and quietly
returned to Capernaum to be with his twelve disciples, they ran to seek him
there (John 6:24-25). Jesus met them with a probing question - are you looking
for physical food that perishes or food that gives eternal life?
Jesus offers us the bread of heaven which produces
spiritual life in us
Do you hunger for the bread of life? The Jews had always regarded the manna in the wilderness as the bread of God (Psalm 78:24, Exodus 16:15). There was a strong Rabbinic belief that when the Messiah came he would give manna from heaven. This was the supreme work of Moses. Now the Jewish leaders were demanding that Jesus produce manna from heaven as proof to his claim to be the Messiah. Jesus responds by telling them that it was not Moses who gave the manna, but God. And the manna given to Moses and the people was not the real bread from heaven, but only a symbol of the bread to come.
Do you hunger for the bread of life? The Jews had always regarded the manna in the wilderness as the bread of God (Psalm 78:24, Exodus 16:15). There was a strong Rabbinic belief that when the Messiah came he would give manna from heaven. This was the supreme work of Moses. Now the Jewish leaders were demanding that Jesus produce manna from heaven as proof to his claim to be the Messiah. Jesus responds by telling them that it was not Moses who gave the manna, but God. And the manna given to Moses and the people was not the real bread from heaven, but only a symbol of the bread to come.
Jesus makes the claim which only God can make: I
am the bread of life. The bread which Jesus offers is none else than
the very life of God. This is the true bread which can truly satisfy the hunger
in our hearts. The manna from heaven prefigured the superabundance of the
unique bread of the Eucharist or Lord's Supper which Jesus gave to his
disciples on the eve of his sacrifice. The manna in the wilderness sustained
the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. It could not produce
eternal life for the Israelites.
Only Jesus can satisfy our deepest hunger for
everlasting truth, life and love
Jesus' question to the crowd, and to each one of us as well, echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:2)? There are two fundamental types of hunger - physical and spiritual. Only the Lord Jesus can satisfy the deepest hunger in our heart - the hunger for everlasting truth, life, and love. Jesus alone can satisfy our hunger for truth - because in him alone is the Truth which is found in God. Jesus alone can satisfy our hunger for life - because he alone can give us abundant life - the supernatural life of God which transforms us now and lasts forever. Jesus alone can satisfy our deepest hunger for love - the love of God that knows no end, that never fails nor forsakes us, that outlasts sin and death. Jesus alone can satisfy the eternal hunger of our heart, mind, and spirit.
Jesus' question to the crowd, and to each one of us as well, echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:2)? There are two fundamental types of hunger - physical and spiritual. Only the Lord Jesus can satisfy the deepest hunger in our heart - the hunger for everlasting truth, life, and love. Jesus alone can satisfy our hunger for truth - because in him alone is the Truth which is found in God. Jesus alone can satisfy our hunger for life - because he alone can give us abundant life - the supernatural life of God which transforms us now and lasts forever. Jesus alone can satisfy our deepest hunger for love - the love of God that knows no end, that never fails nor forsakes us, that outlasts sin and death. Jesus alone can satisfy the eternal hunger of our heart, mind, and spirit.
Doing the works of God
Jesus spoke about the works of God and what we must do to be doing the works of God, namely to believe in God's Son whom he has sent into the world. The Lord Jesus offers a new relationship with God which issues in a new kind of life - a life of sacrificial love, selfless service, and the forgiveness of others which corresponds to God's mercy, goodness and loving kindness; a life of holiness, purity, and truth which corresponds to God's holiness; and a life of obedience and trust which corresponds to God's offer of abundant life, peace, and happiness. This is the work which Jesus directs us to and enables us to perform in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you hunger for the bread which comes down from heaven and thirst for the words of everlasting life?
Jesus spoke about the works of God and what we must do to be doing the works of God, namely to believe in God's Son whom he has sent into the world. The Lord Jesus offers a new relationship with God which issues in a new kind of life - a life of sacrificial love, selfless service, and the forgiveness of others which corresponds to God's mercy, goodness and loving kindness; a life of holiness, purity, and truth which corresponds to God's holiness; and a life of obedience and trust which corresponds to God's offer of abundant life, peace, and happiness. This is the work which Jesus directs us to and enables us to perform in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you hunger for the bread which comes down from heaven and thirst for the words of everlasting life?
"Lord Jesus, you are the true Bread of Heaven.
Only you alone can truly satisfy the deepest longing and hunger of my heart.
Nourish me with the bread of life that I may be truly satisfied in you alone as
the giver of life."
Daily Quote from the early church fathers: God is our landlord, by Augustine of
Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Our wish, you see,
is to attain to eternal life. We wish to reach the place where nobody dies, but
if possible we do not want to get there via death. We would like to be whisked
away there while we are still alive and see our bodies changed, while we are
alive, into that spiritual form into which they are to be changed when we rise
again. Who wouldn't like that? Isn't it what everybody wants? But while that is
what you want, you are told, Quit. Remember what you have sung in the psalm: 'A
lodger am I on earth.' If you are a lodger, you are staying in someone else's
house; if you are staying in someone else's house, you quit when the landlord
bids you. And the landlord is bound to tell you to quit sooner or later, and he
has not guaranteed you a long stay. After all, he did not sign a contract with
you. Seeing that you are lodging with him for nothing, you quit when he tells
you to. And this, too, has to be put up with, and for this, too, patience is
very necessary." (excerpt from Sermon
359A,8)
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Exodus 16:2-4,12-15
This reading takes us back in time to the period of the Exodus after the Israelites had left Egypt and before they arrived at Mount Sinai. The events recounted here take place in the Wilderness of Sin, an area just to the northwest of Mount Sinai. During their journey, God puts the Israelites to three tests to see if they will obey Him:
1) Marah (Exodus 15:22-27). Three days travel from the Red (Reed) Sea and no water had been found until they came to the waters of Marah (the name means “bitter”). Because the water is undrinkable, the people grumble to Moses who takes it up with God who shows him a piece of wood. When Moses throws the wood into the water, the water becomes sweet.
2) Manna & Quail (Exodus 16:1-36). This event occurs two and one-half months after leaving Egypt. This is what we will study today.
3) Water (Exodus 17:1-7). Now, instead of bitter water, they have no water at all. The people again protest to Moses and demand water, comparing their discomfort with the comfort they had enjoyed in Egypt. Moses talks with God, strikes the rock with his staff (the same one used to impress Pharaoh & part the sea) and water flows forth.
2 Here in the desert the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
The people complain against Moses and Aaron, but their ultimate complaint is against God. In Egypt, although slaves, they had plenty to eat. Pharaoh had provided for them in abundance and now they are starving.
3 The Israelites said to them, “Would that we had died at the LORD’S hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread! But you had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not. 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God.” 13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.
The quail don’t figure prominently in this story, manna is the primary focus but Numbers 11 tells us the quail was provided because the people were dissatisfied with the manna.
Psalm 78:17-31 tells us that the quail turned out to be poisonous, killing those who had craved them. The commentaries, in an effort to explain the miracle, tell us that quail fly south annually from their northern European and Scandinavian quarters in September and October to winter in Africa. In May and June they make the return trip. The migration usually follows the wind, but if the wind suddenly shifts, the entire flock may be forced to land where, because they are exhausted, they are easy to catch. This explanation doesn’t tell us how they appeared daily for 40 years instead of just during the migration – a miracle has occurred.
In the morning a dew lay all about the camp, 14 and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground. 15 On seeing it, the Israelites asked one another, “What is this?” for they did not know what it was. But Moses told them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.
Again, the commentaries, in an effort to explain away the miracles, tell us that the manna is the honey-like droppings from the tamarisk tree. These droppings are secretions from two kinds of scale lice, which suck large quantities of liquid from the twigs in the spring to collect nitrogen for their grubs. It contains glucose and fructose but no protein. When it drops to the ground it becomes somewhat firm in the cool night air. It has a low melting point (~70oF) and thus must be gathered early before the sun causes it to melt. Today, Bedouins consider it a delicacy because of its sweet taste. Again, this does not explain the miracle as it occurred daily (except on the Sabbath, as a double portion was provided on Friday) for 40 years; not just in the spring. Also, this sustained about 1 million Israelites for 40 years. Another miracle has occurred. The responsorial psalm for today (Psalm 78) is about manna.
2nd Reading - Ephesians 4:17,20-24
Last week (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B) we heard Saint Paul’s call to unity. This week we hear him speak about interior renewal. Every Christian needs to lead a new life in Christ in order to contribute to the growth of the Body. This means one must shed the life of vanity and sin which one led before one’s conversion and put on Christ, the new Man.
17 So I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
This is the common Jewish view of pagans, they were empty-headed (Romans 1:21-23). The emptiness of their minds had led them away from God, the source of all truth. If the mind operates in a vacuum, the resulting knowledge produces nothing but illusion and deceit.
“Consider what Paul calls ‘futility of mind.’ This occurs when someone has a mind but does not use it for contemplation, instead surrendering it to captivity under Satan” [Origin (ca. A.D. 240), Commentaries On The Psalms, 118.37].
20 That is not how you learned Christ, 21 assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, 22 that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires,
The type of life they led when equipped only with the resources belonging to human nature as sons of Adam. Human weakness prompted countless moral failures that caused spiritual death (Colossians 3:9, Romans 8:13, Galatians 6:8).
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.
In verses 22-24 we are told to “put away the old self” and to “put on the new self.” These words belong to a baptismal liturgy. The candidate removed his old clothes, went into the baptismal water, then put on new white clothing upon emerging; outward signs of an inner change: He had put aside his former life, washed away his sin, and put on Christ, beginning a new manner of life.
“When one is already clothed, how is it said that one must further ‘put on’ a new nature? New clothing was once put on in baptism. The new clothing now being put on is the new way of life and conduct that flows from baptism. There one is no longer clothed by deceitful desires but by God’s own righteousness” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 392-397), Homilies On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 13,4,24].
The “new self” is incorporation into Christ Himself, the new Adam, becoming what God had intended when God created him in His own image (Romans 6:3-11).
Gospel - John 6:24-35
We now proceed on through John’s Gospel from the feeding of the 5,000 (which we heard last week); skipping over the account of His walking on water, to His discourse on the Bread of Life. If we had continued on with our studies in the Gospel of Mark (our Cycle B Gospel) instead of taking a detour the scenic route) through John, after recounting His walking on water, we would have hear of Jesus healing more sick and casting our more demons then the feeding of the 4,000 before we came to this point. In time we are one year prior to Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. There are three Passover periods mentioned in Holy Scripture; all of which appear in the Gospel of John:
1) John 2:13-12 – The cleansing of the temple immediately after the marriage feast at Cana.
2) John 6:4 – The feeding of the 5,000 which, along with Jesus’ walking on water, immediately precede this bread of life discourse.
3) John 11:55 – Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.
24 When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
Capernaum is a city on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The place known to be Jesus’ center of activity in Galilee. Matthew 4:13 notes that He established a residence there. He began His public ministry there by teaching in the synagogue (Mark 1:21 & Luke 4:31). Since Jesus had fled to the mountain alone (last week, last verse) and the crowd knew that He had not departed with the Apostles (John 6:16), they looked for Him where they knew He maintained a home base.
25 And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi,
In the New Testament, the term “Rabbi” is used as a form of address rather than a title (such as “The Rabbi”). The term means “master” and was the way a student of the scribes would address his teacher. The use of this address to Jesus is significant because, even though they don’t know precisely who He is, or what His mission is, they do recognize Him as a religious leader. Recall though that Jesus had fled after the feeding of the five thousand because He realized they wanted to make Him king.
when did you get here?”
They are curious about Him. Jesus doesn’t answer their question. Rather than reveal another miracle to them (such as His walking on water to get there), which would have reinforced their being impressed by physical (material/bodily) things, He steers their attention to His true mission which is spiritual.
26 Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
In Hebrew, Greek and Latin the words are the same: “Amen, amen”. We normally end our prayers with “amen” but Jesus begins His statement in this manner. Amen means “truly”, “so be it”, “I do believe”. The doubled Amen is a solemn affirmation, an oath. When swearing an oath, the response was “Amen”. The faithful and true witness is Christ, the Amen (Revelation 3:14). Since two witnesses are required to sentence someone to death (Deuteronomy 17:6), Jesus is bearing the part of both witnesses and alerting them that what He is going to say has life and death consequences.
you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
They have not understood the true meaning of the signs but instead are now looking for a handout – free food (things of the body).
27 Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life,
Material food keeps us alive in this world, spiritual food sustains and develops supernatural life which will last forever; recall that the woman at the well in John 4:1-26 was promised living water and that she would never thirst. This spiritual food, only God can give us. Through God’s infinite love we are given, in the Blessed Eucharist, Jesus Himself as nourishment for our souls.
which the Son of Man will give you.
Jesus’ favorite designation of Himself; a title which is never applied to him by the evangelists. This image draws upon Daniel 7:13-14; 8:17 where the son of man is prefigured as the messiah who is to usher in the final days, and also Genesis 2:7, the creation account, where in Hebrew adam means man and adama (adamah) means earth. Jesus is the new Adam, the one who doesn’t fall. The image may also reflect back to Ezekiel 37 where God addresses the prophet Ezekiel as “son of man” and uses him to preach to the dry bones which fill a valley and effect a resurrection (this is the inspirational source of the spiritual song “Dem Bones”). The Jews knew their Scriptures very well and would easily make the association between the title He gives Himself and the promises of a messiah, a prophet, and resurrection which are made in these passages. Jesus’ use of the term “Son of man” is a certain indication to his hearers that He claims to have been sent by God.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”
Given firm and eternal authority (Nehemiah 9:38, Song of Songs 8:6). When a seal is impressed on wax, the wax receives the complete form of the seal. So it is that the Son received the entire form of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).
28 So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”
Jesus has said that they are to work for food which doesn’t perish. Moses gave food but it would perish, now Jesus promises food which remains forever, it is obviously the work of God. How are they to do this?
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
They can’t do God’s work; their task is to believe in Him, and consequently in what He says, in faith (not because of the miracles He does but because of Who sent Him). He who comes from God speaks the words of God (John 3:31-34).
30 So they said to him, “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do?
Again, they misunderstand Him. They think they are being asked to “put faith” in Jesus in order to credit something He is about to say. They then proceed to prove how material-minded they are. Their enthusiasm over the feeding of the five thousand is already beginning to wane. That was a short-lived sign. They are hungry again. They want more free food for the stomach, they have not discerned that He is promising spiritual food.
31 Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
Now the dialog between the crowd and Jesus is beginning to sound even more like the one with the woman at the well: She had asked if He was greater than Jacob (John 4:12) and here the people want to know if He can compare with Moses (Exodus 16:15). Moses gave food but it would perish, now Jesus promises food which remains forever.
32 So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
With a doubled amen Jesus reminds them that it was God, not Moses, who provided the manna.
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
By using the term “my Father” He calls Himself the Son of God. He also reminds them that this promised gift is also from God the Father. Note the transition from past tense to present tense “Moses gave - my Father gives”.
33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
God’s bread is not food but life to the world. This shifts emphasis from the “bread from heaven” to the “bread of God”.
34 So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread
Still misunderstanding Him, they echo the words of the woman at the well in John 4:15. Although they now have a perception that He is speaking of non-material bread, and that He can give this bread, they do not yet understand that this bread is Himself.
always.”
They are requesting a continual (lifetime) supply of bodily food. This causes Jesus’ response in the next verse.
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread
Jesus specifically identifies Himself with the bread of which he is speaking.
of life;
Like the “water of life” (John 4:10) it satisfies forever. Shifts emphasis from “bread of God” to “bread of life”; the gift of God is everlasting life. The bread of God gives life to the world (verse 33).
whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
Here Jesus equates coming to Him to believing in Him. It is through faith that we approach our Lord. Jesus also uses the analogy of food and drink to show that He is the one who really meets all of man’s noblest aspirations and meets all of man’s needs.
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Exodus 16:2-4,12-15
This reading takes us back in time to the period of the Exodus after the Israelites had left Egypt and before they arrived at Mount Sinai. The events recounted here take place in the Wilderness of Sin, an area just to the northwest of Mount Sinai. During their journey, God puts the Israelites to three tests to see if they will obey Him:
1) Marah (Exodus 15:22-27). Three days travel from the Red (Reed) Sea and no water had been found until they came to the waters of Marah (the name means “bitter”). Because the water is undrinkable, the people grumble to Moses who takes it up with God who shows him a piece of wood. When Moses throws the wood into the water, the water becomes sweet.
2) Manna & Quail (Exodus 16:1-36). This event occurs two and one-half months after leaving Egypt. This is what we will study today.
3) Water (Exodus 17:1-7). Now, instead of bitter water, they have no water at all. The people again protest to Moses and demand water, comparing their discomfort with the comfort they had enjoyed in Egypt. Moses talks with God, strikes the rock with his staff (the same one used to impress Pharaoh & part the sea) and water flows forth.
2 Here in the desert the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
The people complain against Moses and Aaron, but their ultimate complaint is against God. In Egypt, although slaves, they had plenty to eat. Pharaoh had provided for them in abundance and now they are starving.
3 The Israelites said to them, “Would that we had died at the LORD’S hand in the land of Egypt, as we sat by our fleshpots and ate our fill of bread! But you had to lead us into this desert to make the whole community die of famine!” 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus will I test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not. 12 “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them: In the evening twilight you shall eat flesh, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread, so that you may know that I, the LORD, am your God.” 13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp.
The quail don’t figure prominently in this story, manna is the primary focus but Numbers 11 tells us the quail was provided because the people were dissatisfied with the manna.
Psalm 78:17-31 tells us that the quail turned out to be poisonous, killing those who had craved them. The commentaries, in an effort to explain the miracle, tell us that quail fly south annually from their northern European and Scandinavian quarters in September and October to winter in Africa. In May and June they make the return trip. The migration usually follows the wind, but if the wind suddenly shifts, the entire flock may be forced to land where, because they are exhausted, they are easy to catch. This explanation doesn’t tell us how they appeared daily for 40 years instead of just during the migration – a miracle has occurred.
In the morning a dew lay all about the camp, 14 and when the dew evaporated, there on the surface of the desert were fine flakes like hoarfrost on the ground. 15 On seeing it, the Israelites asked one another, “What is this?” for they did not know what it was. But Moses told them, “This is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat.
Again, the commentaries, in an effort to explain away the miracles, tell us that the manna is the honey-like droppings from the tamarisk tree. These droppings are secretions from two kinds of scale lice, which suck large quantities of liquid from the twigs in the spring to collect nitrogen for their grubs. It contains glucose and fructose but no protein. When it drops to the ground it becomes somewhat firm in the cool night air. It has a low melting point (~70oF) and thus must be gathered early before the sun causes it to melt. Today, Bedouins consider it a delicacy because of its sweet taste. Again, this does not explain the miracle as it occurred daily (except on the Sabbath, as a double portion was provided on Friday) for 40 years; not just in the spring. Also, this sustained about 1 million Israelites for 40 years. Another miracle has occurred. The responsorial psalm for today (Psalm 78) is about manna.
2nd Reading - Ephesians 4:17,20-24
Last week (17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B) we heard Saint Paul’s call to unity. This week we hear him speak about interior renewal. Every Christian needs to lead a new life in Christ in order to contribute to the growth of the Body. This means one must shed the life of vanity and sin which one led before one’s conversion and put on Christ, the new Man.
17 So I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
This is the common Jewish view of pagans, they were empty-headed (Romans 1:21-23). The emptiness of their minds had led them away from God, the source of all truth. If the mind operates in a vacuum, the resulting knowledge produces nothing but illusion and deceit.
“Consider what Paul calls ‘futility of mind.’ This occurs when someone has a mind but does not use it for contemplation, instead surrendering it to captivity under Satan” [Origin (ca. A.D. 240), Commentaries On The Psalms, 118.37].
20 That is not how you learned Christ, 21 assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, 22 that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires,
The type of life they led when equipped only with the resources belonging to human nature as sons of Adam. Human weakness prompted countless moral failures that caused spiritual death (Colossians 3:9, Romans 8:13, Galatians 6:8).
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth.
In verses 22-24 we are told to “put away the old self” and to “put on the new self.” These words belong to a baptismal liturgy. The candidate removed his old clothes, went into the baptismal water, then put on new white clothing upon emerging; outward signs of an inner change: He had put aside his former life, washed away his sin, and put on Christ, beginning a new manner of life.
“When one is already clothed, how is it said that one must further ‘put on’ a new nature? New clothing was once put on in baptism. The new clothing now being put on is the new way of life and conduct that flows from baptism. There one is no longer clothed by deceitful desires but by God’s own righteousness” [Saint John Chrysostom (A.D. 392-397), Homilies On The Epistle To The Ephesians, 13,4,24].
The “new self” is incorporation into Christ Himself, the new Adam, becoming what God had intended when God created him in His own image (Romans 6:3-11).
Gospel - John 6:24-35
We now proceed on through John’s Gospel from the feeding of the 5,000 (which we heard last week); skipping over the account of His walking on water, to His discourse on the Bread of Life. If we had continued on with our studies in the Gospel of Mark (our Cycle B Gospel) instead of taking a detour the scenic route) through John, after recounting His walking on water, we would have hear of Jesus healing more sick and casting our more demons then the feeding of the 4,000 before we came to this point. In time we are one year prior to Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. There are three Passover periods mentioned in Holy Scripture; all of which appear in the Gospel of John:
1) John 2:13-12 – The cleansing of the temple immediately after the marriage feast at Cana.
2) John 6:4 – The feeding of the 5,000 which, along with Jesus’ walking on water, immediately precede this bread of life discourse.
3) John 11:55 – Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection.
24 When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
Capernaum is a city on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The place known to be Jesus’ center of activity in Galilee. Matthew 4:13 notes that He established a residence there. He began His public ministry there by teaching in the synagogue (Mark 1:21 & Luke 4:31). Since Jesus had fled to the mountain alone (last week, last verse) and the crowd knew that He had not departed with the Apostles (John 6:16), they looked for Him where they knew He maintained a home base.
25 And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi,
In the New Testament, the term “Rabbi” is used as a form of address rather than a title (such as “The Rabbi”). The term means “master” and was the way a student of the scribes would address his teacher. The use of this address to Jesus is significant because, even though they don’t know precisely who He is, or what His mission is, they do recognize Him as a religious leader. Recall though that Jesus had fled after the feeding of the five thousand because He realized they wanted to make Him king.
when did you get here?”
They are curious about Him. Jesus doesn’t answer their question. Rather than reveal another miracle to them (such as His walking on water to get there), which would have reinforced their being impressed by physical (material/bodily) things, He steers their attention to His true mission which is spiritual.
26 Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
In Hebrew, Greek and Latin the words are the same: “Amen, amen”. We normally end our prayers with “amen” but Jesus begins His statement in this manner. Amen means “truly”, “so be it”, “I do believe”. The doubled Amen is a solemn affirmation, an oath. When swearing an oath, the response was “Amen”. The faithful and true witness is Christ, the Amen (Revelation 3:14). Since two witnesses are required to sentence someone to death (Deuteronomy 17:6), Jesus is bearing the part of both witnesses and alerting them that what He is going to say has life and death consequences.
you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.
They have not understood the true meaning of the signs but instead are now looking for a handout – free food (things of the body).
27 Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life,
Material food keeps us alive in this world, spiritual food sustains and develops supernatural life which will last forever; recall that the woman at the well in John 4:1-26 was promised living water and that she would never thirst. This spiritual food, only God can give us. Through God’s infinite love we are given, in the Blessed Eucharist, Jesus Himself as nourishment for our souls.
which the Son of Man will give you.
Jesus’ favorite designation of Himself; a title which is never applied to him by the evangelists. This image draws upon Daniel 7:13-14; 8:17 where the son of man is prefigured as the messiah who is to usher in the final days, and also Genesis 2:7, the creation account, where in Hebrew adam means man and adama (adamah) means earth. Jesus is the new Adam, the one who doesn’t fall. The image may also reflect back to Ezekiel 37 where God addresses the prophet Ezekiel as “son of man” and uses him to preach to the dry bones which fill a valley and effect a resurrection (this is the inspirational source of the spiritual song “Dem Bones”). The Jews knew their Scriptures very well and would easily make the association between the title He gives Himself and the promises of a messiah, a prophet, and resurrection which are made in these passages. Jesus’ use of the term “Son of man” is a certain indication to his hearers that He claims to have been sent by God.
For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”
Given firm and eternal authority (Nehemiah 9:38, Song of Songs 8:6). When a seal is impressed on wax, the wax receives the complete form of the seal. So it is that the Son received the entire form of the Father (Hebrews 1:3).
28 So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”
Jesus has said that they are to work for food which doesn’t perish. Moses gave food but it would perish, now Jesus promises food which remains forever, it is obviously the work of God. How are they to do this?
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
They can’t do God’s work; their task is to believe in Him, and consequently in what He says, in faith (not because of the miracles He does but because of Who sent Him). He who comes from God speaks the words of God (John 3:31-34).
30 So they said to him, “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do?
Again, they misunderstand Him. They think they are being asked to “put faith” in Jesus in order to credit something He is about to say. They then proceed to prove how material-minded they are. Their enthusiasm over the feeding of the five thousand is already beginning to wane. That was a short-lived sign. They are hungry again. They want more free food for the stomach, they have not discerned that He is promising spiritual food.
31 Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
Now the dialog between the crowd and Jesus is beginning to sound even more like the one with the woman at the well: She had asked if He was greater than Jacob (John 4:12) and here the people want to know if He can compare with Moses (Exodus 16:15). Moses gave food but it would perish, now Jesus promises food which remains forever.
32 So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
With a doubled amen Jesus reminds them that it was God, not Moses, who provided the manna.
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
By using the term “my Father” He calls Himself the Son of God. He also reminds them that this promised gift is also from God the Father. Note the transition from past tense to present tense “Moses gave - my Father gives”.
33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
God’s bread is not food but life to the world. This shifts emphasis from the “bread from heaven” to the “bread of God”.
34 So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread
Still misunderstanding Him, they echo the words of the woman at the well in John 4:15. Although they now have a perception that He is speaking of non-material bread, and that He can give this bread, they do not yet understand that this bread is Himself.
always.”
They are requesting a continual (lifetime) supply of bodily food. This causes Jesus’ response in the next verse.
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread
Jesus specifically identifies Himself with the bread of which he is speaking.
of life;
Like the “water of life” (John 4:10) it satisfies forever. Shifts emphasis from “bread of God” to “bread of life”; the gift of God is everlasting life. The bread of God gives life to the world (verse 33).
whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.
Here Jesus equates coming to Him to believing in Him. It is through faith that we approach our Lord. Jesus also uses the analogy of food and drink to show that He is the one who really meets all of man’s noblest aspirations and meets all of man’s needs.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church,
Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
EIGHTEENTH
SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, JOHN 6:1-15
(2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145; Ephesians 4:1-6)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, JOHN 6:1-15
(2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145; Ephesians 4:1-6)
KEY VERSE: "This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world" (v.14).
TO KNOW: The miracle of the multiplication of bread is narrated by all four evangelists (Matthew 14:13–21 and 15:32–38; Mark 6:31–44 and 8:1–10; Luke 9:10–17), which indicates its Eucharistic importance for the early Church. In John's gospel, the miracle took place near Passover, the Jewish unleavened bread feast (Ex 12:8). When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness and dying of hunger, God fed them with manna (Ex 16:4). Jesus declared that he himself was the bread that came "down from heaven" to give "life to the world" (Jn 6:33). Like the prophet Elisha (2 Kgs 4:42-44), Jesus took the loaves of barley bread, the humble food of the poor, gave thanks (Greek, eucharisteō), broke and distributed it to the hungry people. The people’s reaction: “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world,” refers to the “prophet like Moses” (Deut 18:15, 18) who was anticipated in the final days. However, the people looked for a Messiah who would be king and a conqueror who would drive the Romans from the land. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew to the mountain alone.
TO LOVE: In what ways do I help provide "bread" for the poor?
TO SERVE: Lord Jesus, strengthen me with your body and blood in the Eucharist.
Sunday 5 August
2018
Week II Psalter. 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15. Psalm 777(78):3-4, 23-25, 54. Ephesians
4:17, 20-24. John 6:24-35.
The Lord gave them bread from heaven—Psalm 777(78):3-4, 23-25,
54.
‘Look, I shall rain down bread for you from the heavens.’
Too many people wake each day desperate for food and water. Many
more experience despair when crops fail, livestock starve or disease or war
tear communities apart. Communities thrive, and children grow when wholesome,
nutritious food is available.
As living creatures, we draw comfort and energy from food, which,
once eaten becomes part of our body. So too do we draw energy and grow strong
when we share in God’s food – the Bread of Life manifest in his Son, Jesus. The
bread broken and shared becomes part of our very being. The food that our soul
hungers for is the food that gives eternal sustenance.
Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica
Saint of the Day for August 5
 |
| Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome | photo by Gary Ullah from UK |
The Story of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica
First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth
century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the
Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated
at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the
world honoring God through Mary. Standing atop one of Rome’s seven hills, the
Esquiline, it has survived many restorations without losing its character as an
early Roman basilica. Its interior retains three naves divided by colonnades in
the style of Constantine’s era. Fifth-century mosaics on its walls testify to
its antiquity.
St. Mary Major is one of the four Roman basilicas known as
patriarchal cathedrals in memory of the first centers of the Church. St. John
Lateran represents Rome, the See of Peter; St. Paul Outside the Walls, the See
of Alexandria, allegedly the see presided over by Mark; St. Peter’s, the See of
Constantinople; and St. Mary’s, the See of Antioch, where Mary is supposed to
have spent most of her later life.
One legend, unreported before the year 1000, gives another name
to this feast: Our Lady of the Snows. According to that story, a wealthy Roman
couple pledged their fortune to the Mother of God. In affirmation, she produced
a miraculous summer snowfall and told them to build a church on the site. The
legend was long celebrated by releasing a shower of white rose petals from the
basilica’s dome every August 5.
Reflection
Theological debate over Christ’s nature as God and man reached
fever pitch in Constantinople in the early fifth century. The chaplain of
Bishop Nestorius began preaching against the title Theotokos,
“Mother of God,” insisting that the Virgin was mother only of the human Jesus.
Nestorius agreed, decreeing that Mary would henceforth be named “Mother of
Christ” in his see. The people of Constantinople virtually revolted against
their bishop’s refutation of a cherished belief. When the Council of Ephesus
refuted Nestorius, believers took to the streets, enthusiastically chanting, “Theotokos!
Theotokos!”
LECTIO: 18TH SUNDAY OF
ORDINARY TIME (B)
Lectio Divina:
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Jesus the bread of life.
1. Opening prayer
Lord Jesus, send your Spirit to help us
to read the Scriptures with the same mind that you read them to the disciples
on the way to Emmaus. In the light of the Word, written in the Bible, you
helped them to discover the presence of God in the disturbing events of your
sentence and death. Thus, the cross that seemed to be the end of all hope
became for them the source of life and of resurrection.
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
The Discourse of the Bread of Life is not a text to be discussed and dissected, but rather it should be meditated and pondered. This is why, even if it is not fully understood, we should not be concerned. This text of the Bread of Life demands a whole life to meditate on it and deepen it. Such a text, people have to read it, meditate it, pray it, think about it, read it again, repeat it and ponder it, as one does with a good sweet in the mouth. We turn it and turn it in the mouth until it is finished. The one, who reads the Fourth Gospel superficially, may have the impression that John always repeats the same thing. Reading it more attentively, one becomes aware that it is not a question of repetition. The author of the fourth Gospel has his own way of repeating the same theme, but always at a higher and more profound level. It seems to be like a winding staircase. By turning one reaches the same place, but always at a higher level or a more profound one.
b) A division of chapter six:
It is good to keep in mind the division of the chapter in order to understand better its significance:
John 6,1-15: the great multiplication of the loaves
John 6,16-21: the crossing of the lake, and Jesus who walks on the water
John 6,22-71: the dialogue of Jesus with the people, with the Jews and with the disciples
1st dialogue: 6, 22-27 with the people: the people seek Jesus and find him in Capernaum
2nd dialogue: 6, 28-34 with the people: faith as the work of God and the manna of the desert
3rd dialogue: 6, 35-40 with the people: the true bread is to do God’s will.
4th dialogue: 6, 41-51 with the Jews: the complaining of the Jews
5th dialogue: 6, 52-58 with the Jews: Jesus and the Jews.
6th dialogue: 6, 59-66 with the disciples: reaction of the disciples
7th dialogue: 6, 67-71 with the disciples: confession of Peter
c) The text: John 6,24-35
Create in us silence so that we may listen to your voice in Creation and in the Scriptures, in events and in people, above all in the poor and suffering. May your word guide us so that we too, like the two disciples from Emmaus, may experience the force of your resurrection and witness to others that you are alive in our midst as source of fraternity, justice and peace. We ask this of you, Jesus, son of Mary, who revealed to us the Father and sent us your Spirit. Amen.
2. Reading
a) A key to the reading:
The Discourse of the Bread of Life is not a text to be discussed and dissected, but rather it should be meditated and pondered. This is why, even if it is not fully understood, we should not be concerned. This text of the Bread of Life demands a whole life to meditate on it and deepen it. Such a text, people have to read it, meditate it, pray it, think about it, read it again, repeat it and ponder it, as one does with a good sweet in the mouth. We turn it and turn it in the mouth until it is finished. The one, who reads the Fourth Gospel superficially, may have the impression that John always repeats the same thing. Reading it more attentively, one becomes aware that it is not a question of repetition. The author of the fourth Gospel has his own way of repeating the same theme, but always at a higher and more profound level. It seems to be like a winding staircase. By turning one reaches the same place, but always at a higher level or a more profound one.
b) A division of chapter six:
It is good to keep in mind the division of the chapter in order to understand better its significance:
John 6,1-15: the great multiplication of the loaves
John 6,16-21: the crossing of the lake, and Jesus who walks on the water
John 6,22-71: the dialogue of Jesus with the people, with the Jews and with the disciples
1st dialogue: 6, 22-27 with the people: the people seek Jesus and find him in Capernaum
2nd dialogue: 6, 28-34 with the people: faith as the work of God and the manna of the desert
3rd dialogue: 6, 35-40 with the people: the true bread is to do God’s will.
4th dialogue: 6, 41-51 with the Jews: the complaining of the Jews
5th dialogue: 6, 52-58 with the Jews: Jesus and the Jews.
6th dialogue: 6, 59-66 with the disciples: reaction of the disciples
7th dialogue: 6, 67-71 with the disciples: confession of Peter
c) The text: John 6,24-35
When the people saw that neither Jesus
nor his disciples were there, they got into those boats and crossed to
Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said
to him, 'Rabbi, when did you come here?'
Jesus answered: In all truth I tell you, you are looking for me not because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that goes bad, but work for food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of man will give you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.
Then they said to him, 'What must we do if we are to carry out God's work?' Jesus gave them this answer, 'This is carrying out God's work: you must believe in the one he has sent.'
So they said, 'What sign will you yourself do, the sight of which will make us believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'
Jesus answered them: In all truth I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you the bread from heaven, the true bread; for the bread of God is the bread which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
'Sir,' they said, 'give us that bread always.' Jesus answered them: I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever hunger; no one who believes in me will ever thirst.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) The people were hungry, they eat the bread and they look for more bread. They seek the miracle and do not seek the sign of God who was hidden in that. What do I seek more in my life: the miracle or the sign?
b) Hungry for bread, hungry for God. Which of these two predominates in me?
c) Jesus says: “I am the bread of life”. He takes away hunger and thirst. Which of these experiences do I have in my life?
d) Keep silence within you for a moment and ask yourself: “To believe in Jesus: What does this mean for me concretely in my daily life?”
Jesus answered: In all truth I tell you, you are looking for me not because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that goes bad, but work for food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of man will give you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.
Then they said to him, 'What must we do if we are to carry out God's work?' Jesus gave them this answer, 'This is carrying out God's work: you must believe in the one he has sent.'
So they said, 'What sign will you yourself do, the sight of which will make us believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'
Jesus answered them: In all truth I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you the bread from heaven, the true bread; for the bread of God is the bread which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
'Sir,' they said, 'give us that bread always.' Jesus answered them: I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever hunger; no one who believes in me will ever thirst.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
so that the Word of God may penetrate and enlighten our life.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) The people were hungry, they eat the bread and they look for more bread. They seek the miracle and do not seek the sign of God who was hidden in that. What do I seek more in my life: the miracle or the sign?
b) Hungry for bread, hungry for God. Which of these two predominates in me?
c) Jesus says: “I am the bread of life”. He takes away hunger and thirst. Which of these experiences do I have in my life?
d) Keep silence within you for a moment and ask yourself: “To believe in Jesus: What does this mean for me concretely in my daily life?”
5. For those who wish to deepen more into the theme
a) Context:
In today’s Gospel we begin the Discourse on the Bread of Life (Jn 6, 22-71). After the multiplication of the loaves, the people follow Jesus. They had seen the miracle; they had eaten and were satiated and wanted more! They were not concerned about looking for the sign or the call of God that was contained in all of this. When the people found Jesus in the Synagogue of Capernaum, he had a long conversation with them, called the Discourse of the Bread of Life. It is not really a Discourse, but it treats of a series of seven brief dialogues which explain the meaning of the multiplication of the bread, symbol of the new Exodus and of the Eucharistic Supper.
The conversation of Jesus with the people, with the Jews and with the disciples is a beautiful dialogue, but a demanding one. Jesus tries to open the eyes of the people in a way that they will learn to read the events and discover in them the turning point that life should take. Because it is not enough to follow behind miraculous signs which multiply the bread for the body. Man does not live by bread alone. The struggle for life without mysticism does not reach the roots. The people, while speaking with Jesus, always remain more annoyed or upset by his words. But Jesus does not give in, neither does he change the exigencies. The discourse seems to be a funnel. In the measure in which the conversation advances, less people remain with Jesus. At the end only the twelve remain there, but Jesus cannot trust them either! Today the same thing happens. When the Gospel beings to demand commitment, many people withdraw, go away.
b) Commentary on the text
John 6,24-27: People look for Jesus
because they want more bread. The people follow Jesus. They see that he did not
go into the boat with the disciples and, because of this, they do not
understand what he had done to reach Capernaum. They did not even understand
the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. People see what has happened,
but they cannot understand all this as a sign of something more profound. They
stop only on the surface; in being satisfied with the food. They look for bread
and life, but only for the body. According to the people, Jesus does what Moses
had done in the past: to feed all the people in the desert. According to Jesus,
they wanted the past to be repeated. But Jesus asks the people to take a step
more and advance. Besides working for the bread that perishes, they should work
for the imperishable food. This new food will be given by the Son of Man,
indicated by God himself. He brings life which lasts forever. He opens for us a
new horizon on the sense of life and on God.
John 6,28-29: “Which is God’s work?” The
people ask: what should we do to carry out this work of God? Jesus answers that
the great work of God asks us to “believe in the one sent by God”. That is, to
believe in Jesus!
John 6,30-33: “What sign will you
yourself do, the sign which will make us believe in you?” People had asked:
What should we do to carry out the work of God? Jesus responds: “The work of
God is to believe in the one who has sent”, that is to believe in Jesus. This
is why people formulate the new question: “Which sign do you do so that we can
see and can believe? Which work do you do?” This means that they did not
understand the multiplication of the loaves as a sign from God to legitimize
Jesus before the people, as the one sent by God! They continue to argue: In the
past our fathers ate the manna which Moses gave them! They called it “bread
from Heaven” (Ws 16,20), that is, “bread of God”. Moses continues to be the
great leader in whom to believe. If Jesus wants the people to believe in him,
he should work a greater sign than Moses. “What work do you do?”
Jesus responds that the bread given by Moses was not the true bread from heaven. Coming from on high, yes, but it was not the bread of God, because it did not guarantee life to any one. All of them died in the desert (Jn 6,49). The true bread of heaven, the bread of God, is the one which conquers death and gives life! It is the one which descends from Heaven and gives life to the world. It is Jesus himself! Jesus tries to help the people to liberate themselves from the way of thinking of the past. For him, fidelity to the past does not mean to close up oneself in the ancient things and not accept renewal. Fidelity to the past means to accept the novelty which comes as the fruit of the seed which was planted in the past.
Jesus responds that the bread given by Moses was not the true bread from heaven. Coming from on high, yes, but it was not the bread of God, because it did not guarantee life to any one. All of them died in the desert (Jn 6,49). The true bread of heaven, the bread of God, is the one which conquers death and gives life! It is the one which descends from Heaven and gives life to the world. It is Jesus himself! Jesus tries to help the people to liberate themselves from the way of thinking of the past. For him, fidelity to the past does not mean to close up oneself in the ancient things and not accept renewal. Fidelity to the past means to accept the novelty which comes as the fruit of the seed which was planted in the past.
John 6,34-35: “Lord, gives us always of
that bread!” Jesus answers clearly: “I am the bread of life!” To eat the bread
of heaven is the same as to believe in Jesus and accept to follow the road that
he teaches us, that is: “My food is to do the will of the one who has sent me
and to complete his work!” (Jn 4,34). This is the true food which nourishes the
person, which transforms life and gives new life.
6. Prayer of Psalm 111
Alleluia! I give thanks to Yahweh with all my heart,
in the meeting-place of honest people, in the assembly.
Great are the deeds of Yahweh,
to be pondered by all who delight in them.
6. Prayer of Psalm 111
Alleluia! I give thanks to Yahweh with all my heart,
in the meeting-place of honest people, in the assembly.
Great are the deeds of Yahweh,
to be pondered by all who delight in them.
Full of splendour and majesty his
work,
his saving justice stands firm for ever.
He gives us a memorial of his great deeds;
Yahweh is mercy and tenderness.
He gives food to those who fear him,
he keeps his covenant ever in mind.
his saving justice stands firm for ever.
He gives us a memorial of his great deeds;
Yahweh is mercy and tenderness.
He gives food to those who fear him,
he keeps his covenant ever in mind.
His works show his people his
power
in giving them the birthright of the nations.
The works of his hands are fidelity and justice,
all his precepts are trustworthy,
established for ever and ever,
accomplished in fidelity and honesty.
in giving them the birthright of the nations.
The works of his hands are fidelity and justice,
all his precepts are trustworthy,
established for ever and ever,
accomplished in fidelity and honesty.
Deliverance he sends to his
people,
his covenant he imposes for ever;
holy and awesome his name.
The root of wisdom is fear of Yahweh;
those who attain it are wise.
His praise will continue for ever.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
his covenant he imposes for ever;
holy and awesome his name.
The root of wisdom is fear of Yahweh;
those who attain it are wise.
His praise will continue for ever.
7. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank for the word that has enabled us to understand better the will of the Father. May your Spirit enlighten our actions and grant us the strength to practice that which your Word has revealed to us. May we, like Mary, your mother, not only listen to but also practice the Word. You who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
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