Readings: Acts 7: 51-8:1; Psalm 31; Jn 6:30-35 In today’s first reading from Acts, we have Stephen, the first martyr, confronting the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin: they had unbelieving hearts though, as leaders and educated people, they were supposed to lead wisely the Jews according to the right context of the Law of the Lord. It cost Stephen his life because he challenged them, speaking boldly about how they killed the prophets of God as well Jesus the Christ, the source of life.
Now let’s move to the Gospel. They said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” He replied, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”Jesus was not speaking of natural food and drink but of supernatural hunger and thirst. Jesus was saying that the spiritual food and drink He was to provide would result in never-ending fulfillment and satisfaction.
First of all, it’s useful to look at this Gospel within its context. On the previous day, Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and a crowd of people who had been fed by Him were now seeking more food. Jesus uses their desire for more food to begin to teach them about the Bread of life, “Jesus Himself who came down from heaven”. And He wants to do the same with all of us.
Let us put ourselves into this frame. What is it that I hunger and thirst for the most? Perhaps I have plenty of physical food, but perhaps I don’t. Whatever is the case, what else do I really crave? What do I desire? Do I allow that the Lord teaches me about the Bread of Life and what He gives me that I may be always fed of my inner hunger and thirst for Him?
Here is then, our response to Him. We allow ourselves to hear Jesus say to us, “I want to give you so much more. I am what you truly long for. If you come to Me, you will have all your desires fulfilled and more.” Let us again implore Him saying: “Sir, give us this Bread always”. May the Risen Lord who entered into the locked room of the disciples, bring each of us Peace of mind and heart, in this lockdown restriction of Covid-19.