Acts 8: 1-8

Ps 66

John 6: 35-40

The Bread of Life…

Dear friends in Christ, the wheat grain has the chance to bring forth new life, if the conditions are right, but when it has gone through the processing that makes it into a loaf, that cannot be reversed. Jesus however calls himself, ‘the Bread of Life.’ There is more to it than one can see ordinarily, it takes faith to rise beyond the loaf to the life-giving bread.

The Gospel of today (John 6:35-40) continues the teaching of Jesus to the crowd that had participated in the miracle of the loaves. They were craving for more miracles and more bread, but Jesus opens their hearts and minds to the mystery that is hidden behind the meal they had, without knowing its full meaning. Jesus said to the crowds, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” A mystery beyond human comprehension, was unfolding before their eyes. The ordinary bread gives nourishment to the body, but the bread promised by Jesus, is that which nourishes even the soul—the food for the journey of life. The priesthood is such a great gift through which by the power of the Holy Spirit an ordained person “can lay his hands on bread, pronounce the words of consecration and right after, see before him, God—the power to turn bread into a mystery of God’s love and presence.” What more can I ask? As the Psalmist says, “How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me, the cup of salvation I will raise, I will call on the Lord’s name.” It is this bread of life that keeps together, in an unbreakable union, those who have been redeemed in Christ. Nourished by the Eucharist, we have the strength to face the challenges that may come our way.

The first reading of today from Acts 8:1-8 reveals to us how the death of Stephen sparked off a wave of persecution against Christians. They fled Jerusalem, but they went everywhere proclaiming the good news and making more disciples. Saul was particularly exceptional in the way he led the persecution. He “laid waste the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” The persecution produced a positive and unexpected effect of a quick expansion of the missionary field. There are still many places today where men, women and children are dragged to their death and to prison, just for being Christians. The Easter season is a constant reminder that this world is not our own. If we want to follow Jesus, we must be ready to account for the faith that is in us. A faith that is daily nourished by the Eucharist.

Let us pray: Lord, be with all those who at this time are called to account for their faith by martyrdom. Give them the courage to remain firm in their witnessing to you. Amen. 

+Remain blessed