Word to the Wise
Monday, April 19, 2010 - Monday in the Third Week of Easter
[Acts 6:8-15 and John 6:22-29]Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
In the Gospel of John, most of Jesus' "signs" serve as the occasion for an accompanying "discourse" which develops the true meaning of the sign. Jesus tells the crowd that they have missed the point of his multiplying the loaves and fishes. The point is not that he can wave a magic wand and make groceries! The sign points to his identity and how that will be continued after his death and resurrection. He has (and IS) food that does more than satisfy physical hunger for a few hours! Scripture scholars refer to the discourse which follows as the "Bread of Life" discourse because Jesus refers to himself in that way. "I am the Bread of Life." For the next few days, the gospel scripture will consist of sections from the Bread of Life discourse. As the crowd continues to question Jesus, the import of what he is saying begins to sink in. Some will think he is advocating cannibalism! Others will find the teaching totally baffling. We are told that many will turn away because of this. These days are an opportunity to reflect on our own faith in what Jesus has given to us: his body and blood - his whole person. One may see then why the Eucharist is at the center of all Catholic faith. It is not an invitation to watch a priest multiply hosts, but an invitation to become what we will receive. As the last line of today's gospel passage puts it, "This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent." If the bread and wine we receive at the Eucharist is not for us the body and blood of Jesus, why are we there? AMEN
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