First Readings: Book of Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34
Second Reading: Ephesians 4:30-5:2
Gospel: John 6:41-51
Today’s readings are all about sustenance, gratitude and our inclination to complain.
Both in the First Reading and in the Gospel, we hear God’s promise to nourish our bodies and souls.
When Elijah fell asleep under the broom tree, he was awakened by an angel who gave him hearth cake and water. Elijah was strengthened by that food and so he was able to walk for 40 days and nights to the mountain of God.
In the Gospel, Jesus also offers food, but His food is the bread of life which will strengthen us. This is the Eucharist, the food that endures for eternal life, the Eucharist that keeps us going through Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
The Psalm invites us to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord”. Being in a stance of gratitude helps us resist the desire go about life in a negative way. Instead we are called to “bless the Lord at all time” with every utterance from our lips, thereby being a positive voice in the universe, radiant with joy, uplifting all by example and positivity.
Ephesians is another invitation as Paul asks us to walk in love, be kind to one another, compassionate and forgiving.
Finally, Jesus, chastises the Jews who were murmuring against Him to stop their whining and complaining. It is a reminder to us as well. We have the power to be grateful and happy, to adjust our attitudes and to really hear the Good News.
What do you hunger for most in this life? Is it earthly food or the food of eternal life? Yes, we need earthly sustenance but the Bread of Life will last through eternity. Isn’t that worth hungering for?
Sr. Joan Agro, OP