Readings:
Acts 6:8-15
John 6:22-29
Reflection:
In the synopsis of the four gospels, the authors of the synoptic gospels focus on the people seeking the miracle of healing (cf. Matt 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56), whereas the author of John’s gospel focuses on why people are looking for Jesus. The explanation is unique to the fourth gospel (cf. John 6:26-29), and it is part of the main topic, the bread of life.
Jesus confirms that people seek him not because of the signs but because of the bread. For this reason, Jesus encourages his followers to work and seek the bread of eternal life, not just perishable food. He does not deny the importance of food for life by performing the miracle to feed more than five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish (cf. John 6:4-15).
However, Jesus reminds his disciples to focus on the more important thing, the bread of life, which the Son of Man will give. In the light of the Resurrection, this bread is Jesus’ body, which has been sacrificed through the Passion. And seeking this bread of life, we may ask the same question: “What must we do?” and receive a similar answer to believe the Son, whom God sent to the world.
Let us listen to Jesus’ words today and realise that we often seek the food that perishes and forget the bread of life. Acknowledging this, we can trust in Jesus and be fulfilled with the Corpus Christi, which endures eternal life.
JD Tân T CP is a Vietnamese Passionist who lives and studies further at the Holy Cross Retreat, Templestowe.