Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40)

People sometimes call a subject worth pondering “food for thought.” Jesus presents his teaching in today’s gospel in this way.  His words are not only worth pondering but, even more cogently, bid one’s following.

This is the first part of the great “Eucharistic Discourse” of John’s gospel.  In the second part Jesus’ references to the “Bread of Life” will reveal him as Eucharistic food. The two – wisdom and food – are meant to complement one another.  As the Word of God in the first part of the Mass gives perspective to the sacrifice and sacrament of the second part so Eucharistic wisdom and food go together.

In trying to understand how Jesus is present in the Eucharist, some have considered the bread as a symbol.  For them the bread inspires thoughts of love and fortitude.  However satisfying this idea is to modern sensibilities, it is not what the gospel teaches. Especially John’s gospel instructs that Jesus is physically present in the bread and wine.  When we consume these elements worthily, we become part of him. We too have conquered sin and will live eternally.

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

(Acts 8:1b-8; John 6:35-40)

In today’s gospel passage Jesus says, “’I am the bread of life.’”  Not many verses later, and in the same discourse, he calls himself “’the living bread that came down from heaven.’”  Jesus uses the same word – “bread” – to refer to himself in both cases.  But it does not mean the same thing in each context. 

In the first part of what is known as the “Eucharistic discourse,” “bread” refers to Jesus as the wisdom of God.  It is food of the deepest thought.  Consuming it is accepting the words and deeds of Jesus as one’s way of life.  The latter use of “bread” is applied directly to the Eucharist.  Consuming it makes one like Jesus.  It identifies the person with Christ’s community, the Church.  It gives her the moral courage and strength to love as he loved.  It brings her into God’s household and makes her His child.

John the Evangelist is iconized by an eagle.  His soaring ideas must be pondered and then lived.  Doing so, we will end up -- as Jesus promises today -- being raised up on the last day.