The Bread of Life!!!

After writing about First Communion and the gift of the Eucharist on Monday, we are blessed to continue that discussion for most of this week because the gospel readings are from Saint John, chapter 6, the bread of life discourses. The gospel reading is John 6:30-35. Jesus says to the people who want to receive this bread always, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." Jesus is the bread that came down from heaven. He nourishes and sustains us in our journey of life and faith. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus this past weekend, we come to know Jesus in the breaking of the bread because the bread that we eat is truly our Lord's body broken for us and the cup is his blood poured out for us. As one commentary says, "During this season especially we are invited to feast on the eucharistic body and blood of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, the riches of God's house. The Spirit poured out upon the world through his death and resurrection is the stream of God's delight and the source of life. These gifts of God's love are the origin of all holiness" (Magnificat, 129). May our faith and belief be strengthened as we continue to receive the food that sustains us, the body and blood of Christ. Peace to You!!!