Gospel Reflection the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

5th. August – I am the Bread of life

The gospels for the next few weeks draw our attention to Jesus The Bread of Life.

Perhaps when we are in a hurry or hungry, we might be tempted to go to a fast food ‘restaurant.’ However, as we all know from experience, it’s nice while we are eating it, but it is not exactly nourishing  or sustaining!

The gospel this Sunday follows on directly on from last Sunday’s; the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. The crowd, having  just seen and witnessed Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes wonder what further signs he might show them. They want more signs; they are ‘hungry’ and eager for more ‘bread’ to satisfy their day to day appetites.  Jesus is quick to realise that the people followed him because he performed a miracle and fed them. He challenges them to go deeper than just wanting ordinary bread. He has come not just to satisfy their human physical needs; he has come so that they will have life and life to the full.

He reminds them that their ancestors ate bread from heaven every morning when they were in the desert. He tells them that it was not Moses who provided this bread, but God. Then Jesus makes a very bold claim when he proclaims for all to hear; ‘I am the Bread of life.’ Jesus is the ‘true bread… which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ Jesus himself is the bread from heaven for the journey of life, not fast food for a short journey!

Every day through newspapers, magazines, televisions and the internet we are being bombarded by advertisements of one kind or another. We are being sold and told the message that we need to buy more and more things to be happy and content. Advertisements are telling us that the more we buy, have and consume, the happier we will be. This is fake news, not good news. Buying and having things in moderation is not a bad for us. Buying and having things that we don’t really need or want is not good for us. No matter what we spend our money on and buy, they won’t make us happier or healthier. Those in the gospel followed Jesus because he satisfied their physical hunger; but he challenges them to look deeper and further than their basic human hunger. He asks them and us today to see and experience Jesus himself as the source of life at a physical and spiritual level. Jesus offers himself to us as the Bread of Life who satisfies all our needs and gives meaning to our daily lives.

The Eucharist is more than simply opening our hands and mouths to receive Holy Communion. The Eucharist invites and challenges us to open our hearts and daily lives to the life and love of Jesus in a very intimate and personal way. Through sharing in the Eucharist with other people, Jesus enters into a deep and everlasting relationship with us. Truly,  Jesus is the Bread from heaven who has come from heaven and who gives life to the world. Those who believe that Jesus is the Bread of Life will never be hunger or thirsty. There is no advertisement on the television that can make that claim!

Michael Moore OMI