John 6

Meditation: What do you most hunger for – wealth, peace, health,
love, the good life? Jesus addressed this issue with those who sought him
after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Were they simply
hungry for things which satisfy the body or for that which satisfies the
heart and soul? Jesus echoes the question posed by the prophet Isaiah:
"Why
do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for
that which does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:2)? There are two kinds of
hunger – physical and spiritual. Only God can satisfy the hunger in our
heart and soul – the hunger for truth, for life, and for love.
Jesus also spoke about the works of God and what we must do to
be doing the works of God, namely to believe in God's Son whom
he has sent into the world. Jesus offers a new relationship with God
which issues in a new kind of life: A life of love and service, and the
forgiveness of others which corresponds to God's mercy and kindness; a
life of holiness and purity which corresponds to God's holiness; and a
life of submission and trust which corresponds to the wisdom of God. This
is the work which Jesus directs us to and enables us to perform in the
power of the Holy Spirit. Do you hunger for the bread which comes down
from heaven and thirst for the words of everlasting life?
"Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing and hunger in
our hearts. May I always hunger for the imperishable bread, that I may
be satisfied in you alone as the True Bread of Heaven. Nourish and
strengthen me that I may serve you with great joy, generosity, and zeal
all the days of my life".
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings