John 6:51-58
The Bread of Life
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
Today we pay special honor to the Gift of the Holy Eucharist, our Bread of Life. The liturgy is enhanced by a Solemn Procession , which in some devout countries entails a march in silent reverence through the streets of the city. In Rwanda, for example, a dirt path is decorated with elaborate sand paintings depicting various symbols of the Eucharist: shafts of wheat, loaves of bread, and chalices. Children climb trees for a better view, hymns of praise and gratitude precede the Solemn Benediction which concludes the festive celebration.
Covid-19 has prevented most of these outward displays of devotion, but this year promises to see them return. But processions or not, this is the day to express gratitude for the Eucharist, the Bread of life, and heavenly food to nourish our souls and give us the sustenance we need in this world of challenges and demands that far exceed our human capacities to endure.
Bro. Rene
Dear God, may we take the opportunity today to thank and honor you for the great Gift of the Bread of Life. Amen
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