Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 16:2-4,12-15; Ephesians 4:17,20-24; John 6:24-35)
Bishops are concerned that most Catholics do not believe
that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. This is a grave and real matter.
But an even more important question is, who is Jesus? Many, both Christians and
non-Christians, think of him as a sage like Sophocles or a prudent leader like
Lincoln. Last week we saw Jesus giving signs that he is God. Just as God gave
the Israelites manna to feed them physically, Jesus gave those who sought him
bread that nourished them both physically and spiritually.
In today's gospel, Jesus reveals that he is the Bread of
Eternal Life, but first, he discusses with the Jews their values. He accuses
them of seeking him not for the spiritual bread he imparts but for the bread
that satisfied them without having to work for it. He says this pursuit is
futile because physical bread will eventually run out. Sooner or later, this
bread will sour like the manna left on the desert floor. Instead, Jesus offers
himself, "the Bread of Life," that lasts forever. He says that if
they accept him as the Son of God with faith, he will continue to satisfy them
endlessly.
Many in the world today, like these Jews, strive to satisfy
themselves with things that eventually lose their value. They think these
things will bring them happiness. There are many substitutes for true
happiness, but they can be summarized in four words starting with the letter
"p": power, property, prestige, and pleasure. These attract many but
are ultimately like bread that perishes. Olympic athletes who strive to be the
fastest runner or the strongest boxer will soon see another athlete who runs
faster or punches harder. The rich will see their millions dissipate when they
realize they cannot buy health or love. The famous today do not have to wait many
tomorrows to see others receive more attention than them. And pleasure often
proves to be a curse due to its harmful effects, as has happened with many
smokers.
But the Jews resist Jesus' offer. They ask for proof of his
relationship with God. Evidently, they have forgotten the multiplication of
loaves. Anyway, they want another sign before they believe in him. They suggest
it be something like the manna their ancestors ate in the desert. Jesus
responds that this "bread from heaven" was a gift from God, his
Father, and now he gives them the true bread from heaven, which is himself. He
adds that accepting him as the Son sent by God is equivalent to doing God's
work or, better, fulfilling his will.
So far, we have not had to consider the Blessed Sacrament to
explain how he is the Bread of Life. His words and actions can be considered
spiritual nourishment to be consumed. However, it is necessary to keep a proper
sense of Jesus for him to be the substance that satisfies the world’s hunger.
It is not simply that he has the most recognized name in history. Rather, he
can satisfy the world because he is God. That is, Jesus is the spiritual creator
that allows the existence of all being by participation in Him. We can compare
him to the sun. Just as the sun's rays create life on earth, the metaphysical
action of God gives existence to the physical universe. Jesus Christ has come
to reveal God's will through his words and even more through his sacrifice on
the cross and his resurrection from the dead. Him we trust and follow.
