Tuesday of the
Third Week of Easter
(Acts 7:51-8:1a; John 6:30-35)
People crave bread.
For the hungry bread may be the simplest form of dense food. Once made, it can be transported anywhere and
eaten for instant nutrition. For the
better off, “bread” serves as a metaphor for money. This kind of bread seemingly provides for every
need. In today’s gospel Jesus uses bread
in another way. It represents his spiritual
legacy.
The Jews ask for a sign if they are to believe in
Jesus. They remember how their ancestors
pleaded with Moses and received manna received in the desert. Jesus reminds them, however, that it was God
who provided the bread-like substance. Now,
he says, the same God, his “Father,” is giving richer nutrition. God has sent Jesus as the “true bread from
heaven.” Jesus provides all that a
people need to live for eternity. He instructs them in his way of truth and
love. Even more, he nourishes for the
task with his own body and blood.
Jesus is always calling us to believe in him more genuinely. He wants us to embrace him more fully – his
teaching, his example, and the community he has left behind. When we do, he promises that we will not be
disappointed. Quite the contrary, we
will find ourselves enjoying the fullness of life.
