Gospel of John, chapter 6:35

The people in the gospel who sought out Jesus after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and the fish were led to him not by their faith, but by their stomachs. The crowd was looking for a handout, a bellyful of bread. They did not understand that the eating of the bread was a sign of greater partaking. They were hungry, plain and simple, and they wanted bread. Jesus loses no time in getting the crowd to recognize a deeper sort of hunger. He speaks to them of lasting bread, bread that nourishes not just life, but life eternal. To their credit, the crowd listens. Thinking that they had to fast or do some “work” to get this bread, the people asked what they must do. Jesus tells them to believe in Him (Jn 6:29).

This was not the answer the folks expected, so they ask Jesus for a sign that would earn their faith. For example, a sign such as the manna God sent their forebears in the desert. Jesus explains that the old testament manna was but perishable bread. The bread He gives is imperishable; the true bread that comes from God. The people, still not fully understanding, respond to Jesus’ offer. Then Jesus delivers the punch line of his message: “I myself am the bread of life.”

And the people? They still do not recognize that the Messiah for whom they’ve been awaiting for generations is standing before them. He is a spiritual Messiah, not a political one, who will nourish them with His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

We also keep making the same mistake. We fail to recognize the bread of life in the Eucharist. This Sunday, when you are presented with bread of life: The Body of Christ, remember, this is the bread you’ve been asking for. Receive this bread worthily. This bread is the real thing.

Before we eat the bread that is the Body of Christ, we say “Amen.” This is more than a declaration of faith. It is a pledge that says, “Yes, I will be the Body of Christ for others. I will be like Jesus who was broken for others!” Understand this when you receive the Eucharist. Recognize that you are promising to be the real thing because you have received Christ, the Bread of Life.

Fr. Hugh Duffy