Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life.” –John 6:35
We perceive a pattern developing. Free food isn’t quite free, even when manna rains down from heaven for all takers as occurs in the First Reading this Sunday. Faith isn’t free either, when professing a creed winds up demanding your life in conformity with your words. Going to church is a whole lot more than free shelter from life’s storms. It also implies a surrender to service. And when Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” count on this bread being both a gift and a responsibility.
“Give us this bread always,” the crowd around Jesus begs. They want miracle bread that takes away the fear of want. You and I are part of that crowd, of course, asking for something we don’t fully understand. We want the bread that is really the life of Christ so we can be assured of eternal life. And yes, the Eucharist is that kind of guarantee—but it’s not for free. Even though the ushers don’t stop and take tolls from us as we approach the sanctuary for our share of Holy Communion, the Eucharist is not a free ride. Once Christ-life is in you, you are Christ for the sake of the world. Ask yourself: What did it cost Jesus to be Jesus?
How are you the bread of life for those around you—and those who are far off?
LET US PRAY…
Lord, you give us the gift of the Eucharist to remind us of the goodness of shared bread and the thirst we all have for justice and peace. Create in us a desire to be generous with those who are in need. Let us serve you in our sisters and brothers, always seeking your face in the faces of the poor. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
While The Gospel at Home takes a break in the summer months, we’ll be drawing our weekly reflections from Exploring the Sunday Readings.
Image credit: Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
