"I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never hunger."- John 6:35
People don't change much-- that was my response to today's readings.
There are still those who are "stiff-necked" and closed to the Spirit.
In the first reading Stephen met them and they killed him.
In Jesus' time the people who came to Him wanted a "sign". They liked the idea of "bread of life". If they had it they'd never be hungry or have to work again. They egged Him on saying, "Moses gave our ancestors manna." Jesus explained, "God gave the bread from heaven. God gives the True bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." You can almost hear the excitement-- "Give us this bread!" Jesus explains, "I AM the Bread of Life whoever comes to me will never hunger." What's their response? They murmured.
Are we ever stiff-necked, self-seeking and want it our way? (When we are, or whenever we meet these feelings in others, we can pray the Responsorial: Into Your hands I commend my spirit...be my rock of refuge.)
When we hear Jesus talk of being Bread of Life, we think of the Eucharist-- this is the amazing gift of Self that Jesus gives us--He is all we need! He is Life!
We're blest with Eucharist--don't let it be a fleeting moment or "fast food"--take Jesus with you when you leave the Church; let Him live in you. You be a sign of God's presence; feed the hungers of others.
We Benedictine Sisters of Florida have as our Corporate Commitment to "feed the hungers of the people of God". People hunger for food, yes, but also for spirituality, friendship, community, understanding... We try to feed the hungers of body, mind and spirit--when we do, it is an encounter with Christ for us and for the other, too.
I invite you to savor the Eucharist and God's great love that gives us Jesus. Then being aware of your own hungers, you will be more able to reach out and feed the hungers of others.
What do you hunger for?
Loving God, help me take time to savor the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and then go forth to feed the hungers of others. Amen.
"That in all things, God may be glorified" Rule of Benedict
Reflection by:
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
Did You Know...
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB, is a Benedictine Sister of Florida. A teacher at heart, she feeds "hungers" of God's people through Retreats & Spiritual Direction; she is Oblate Director and has involvements in Peace and Justice ministries.
