Contents
Introduction
As explained in the introductory part of last week reflection that, “…although Mark (6:35–44) contains the same episode as in John 6:1–15, the entire chapter six of John dwells on the body and blood of Jesus which implicitly, represents the Holy Eucharist (Communion). This is why the Church has decided to base her Gospel readings and lessons for these Sundays on John chapter six. The Church could not have ignored such rich presentation, explanation and application of Jesus as the “bread of life.” John 6:16–21 has been omitted because it contains the same episode of the Mark 4:35–41, which was the Gospel reading of the. However, there is a difference.….…..
Quest for the bread of life
Jesus’ answer to the crowd that they were looking for him, not because they saw signs or because they believe in his teachings, but because they ate their fill of the loaves (cf. John 6:25–26) means they were on the wrong track. To lead them out of the wrong direction, Jesus advised them not to “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” (John 6:27). Quest for the bread of life means recognizing that without God we are nothing and can do nothing (cf. John 15). We must always distinguish between the true bread of life and the seemingly bread of life. It is knowing what God wants from you, not what you want from God. “As well as physical hunger, man also suffers from another form of hunger that cannot be sated with ordinary food. It is a hunger for life, a hunger for love, a hunger for eternity. Manna is the sign … that.……
Conclusion
“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” (John 6:27). Jesus immediately corrected the mentality and wrong mindset of the people. He advised them to use that very energy, zeal and determination they use in pursuing material things to work for a more enduring food, food that will last forever (cf. Matt 6:19–20). They Jews wondered what such could mean. And Jesus invited them to come to him so as to clarify their confusions. Ours is a society filled with series of confusions both material and spiritual. Many people seem not to know what they want. They cannot distinguish between ‘want’ and ‘need.’ Many seek want they want ignoring what they need. Material things should be seen as the corridor to spiritual well-being. The Israelites ate material bread and later died (cf. First Reading), but whoever eats the bread meant by Jesus will never die (cf. John 6:35).
FOR DETAILS, GET YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE BOOK “THE WORD OF LIFE: SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I and II)!! The reflection for the 18th Sunday of the year (B) is found in vol. II pages 334–343. Happy reading!
For details on how to get it, contact the author on this link: https://m.me/uchennabiblia?fbclid=IwAR2yeg4a6sDGBp9QGkIvKj6FSADumMokN6lshdE0zuo-JHs6qOmlhA7jyHo or email me at: postmaster@uchennabiblia.com or simply send an SMS on 08116100926, and I will get back to you.
