JESUS THE LIFE-GIVING BREAD FROM HEAVEN
First Reading: 1 Kings 19: 4-8
Second Reading: Ephesians 4: 30 to 5: 2
Gospel Reading: John 6: 41-51
*First reading is from the first book of Kings. Prophet Elijah was one of the great prophets of Old Testament. But we meet him here when he is in the depths of despair. To escape from the wicked queen Jezebel, he flees to the desert. An Angel of the Lord God miraculously feeds the Prophet. Elijah is much depressed and dejected before his journey through the desert. However, the Lord God provides him food so that he is strengthened before the tiring journey of forty days and forty nights. Finally he reaches the mountain at Horeb. This event is a pre-figuration of the Eucharistic meal given to us by Jesus to strengthen us in our tiring life's journey.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Ephesians. Paul urges the Christian community at Ephesus to practice charity and love of the neighbour which is the hall mark of all true followers of Christ. He earnestly asks them to get rid of their past evil ways: Bitterness, anger and slander. Further he asks everyone to forgive one another and live a life worthy of a follower of Christ.
The bread which I shall give for the world is my flesh Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. After the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, Jesus gives His instructions and teachings. Jesus teaches the disciples and us about the imperishable food and eternal life. He says that He is indeed the bread which has come down from heaven. He/she who eats this bread (Jesus), will have eternal life. Many of the Jews who followed Jesus found it hard to accept this teaching. They murmur against Him and reject the life-giving words of the Lord. They resemble the Jews who murmured against Moses and the Lord God in the wilderness. The bread of life for us today is the body of Christ offered on the cross as a sacrifice so that we have eternal life. It is a fact that not only the Jews of that time take offence at this teaching of Jesus: Even today, many people refuse to accept the words of Jesus and refuse to believe in the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharistic bread. In this context, Jesus reminds us: "If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever and the bread which I shall give for the world is my flesh." (John 6: 51) Let us always thank the Lord for this wonderful gift of life-giving bread for us. Saint John Paul II (Pope) says: "From the Eucharist comes strength to live the Christian life and zeal to share that life with others." In this context, St. Thomas Aquinas says: "The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life." Archbishop Fulton J Sheen says about the Eucharist: "The greatest love story of all times is contained in a tiny white Host." May the Lord Jesus, who gives us living bread from heaven to be our bread of life, bless you all and keep you in His love and protection from all evil. May His example inspire to give ourselves too for the life of the world and to find fulness of life. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph" on Google search. Thanks.)
No comments:
Post a Comment