Setting the Stage

 Note: the internet in our house was "down" this morning so I could not produce this slice of bread at the regular time. I hope it brings nourishment whenever you are able to pray with it.

 

 Jn 6:22-29

²² The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. ²³ Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. ²⁴ Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

Jesus the Bread of Life

²⁵ When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

²⁶ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. ²⁷ Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

Hungry for Jesus, or just hungry?  Free bread, yes, but setting the stage for the discourse on the Bread of Life, and ultimately, the Eucharist. Jesus teaches by using concrete situations and examples. The lesson to follow is a huge, major one, so Jesus is careful to prepare his audience well for this is the Bread that will nourish his followers in the coming centuries, and still does in our time. Faith is the firm foundation needed for the understanding and acceptance of this lesson. May we be as eager to partake of this bread that feeds the soul, as the people were to eat of the bread that fed their bodies.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, thank you for this precious Gift. Help me to appreciate it more and more and partake of it as often as I can. Amen.