REFLECTION FOR TODAY
August 1, 2021
By Fr. Andrew Ibegbulem, OSA
So, they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” Jn. 6:34-35
Today’s gospel reference forms part of the famous discourse of Jesus on the Bread of life. The crowd had come to Jesus after he had feed them with 5loaves and 2 fish. They wanted Jesus to perform another miracle, but Jesus used the opportunity to refocus their minds on what really matter.
The crowd may be seeking miracle or seeking to satisfy their human hunger for food. Jesus encourages them not to seek the food that does not last but the one that leads to eternal life. He then reveals to them that he is the Bread of life.
In the discourse on the Bread of life Jesus gives His followers so much more than mere bread and fish. We listen to Him speak of Himself as the true Bread from Heaven. Sadly, many reject this precious teaching and gift and go their own way.
But what about you? How often have you truly pondered these words of Jesus? “I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst!” Do you believe this?
Deep within every human heart is a hunger and thirst that longs to be satisfied. We all have this longing and desire. We try to fill it with so many things, but in the end only one thing satisfies. Jesus alone can satiate the deepest longings of our souls.
Again, do you believe this? And if you do believe it in your head, do you believe it with your actions? Do you turn to Him as the source of your daily fulfillment and satisfaction? When you go to Mass, do you long to receive Him and love Him and enter deep Communion with Him? We all need to redirect our desires toward our glorious Savior, especially as He comes to us in the Most Holy Eucharist.
Reflect, today, upon how deeply you believe in these words of Jesus. Do you regularly meet Him in the Eucharist? Do you allow His presence to consume you as you consume Him? If you cannot say “Yes” to this in a complete and definitive way, resolve today to renew your love for our Lord in this glorious Sacrament.
Lord, I do love You, and I desire You to come and consume me as I consume You in the Most Holy Eucharist. Help me to believe in You and Your presence in this Most Holy Sacrament. May Your divine presence meet my deepest need and fulfill my deepest longings in life. Jesus, I trust in You.