Exodus 16, 2-4, 12-15; Psalm 78; Ephesians 4, 17-24; John 6, 24-35

By +Guy Sansaricq

“You are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for food that endures for eternal life which the son of man will give you.” These words of harsh rebuke of Jesus to the somnolent crowds have only one purpose: wake them up to the deeper meaning of his message.  

Jesus knew that we tend to be interested only in material goods. Typically, the crowds after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves simply wanted more tasty breads. Shall we ever change?

To sharpen their understanding, Jesus added: “The work of God is that you believe in the One He sent.”  Faith in the person of Jesus is therefore set as the primary condition for salvation!   Let us admit, sometimes this is what we lack the most: FAITH!

Then Jesus goes on to say that the bread he gives is much greater than the manna the ancestors ate in the desert.  Immediately afterwards, he made the astounding statement that will never cease to stun and delight the hearts of true believers: “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven that brings life to the world.” “I am the bread of life! Whoever comes to me will never hunger! Whoever believes in me will never thirst.”   These words and others that will follow form the unshakable basis of our belief in the real presence of Jesus in the bread we eat at the communion table! Repent, believe and come to the table of life!