Daily Gospel Reflection
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April 16, 2024
The crowd said to Jesus:
“What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?
What can you do?
Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:
‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'”
So Jesus said to them,
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven;
my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.”
So they said to Jesus,
“Sir, give us this bread always.”
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me will never hunger,
and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
In this passage, Jesus urges us to focus on more than just feeding our bodies; he wants us to prioritize nourishing our souls. He challenges us to perceive him not merely as a fleeting miracle to behold, but as a divine gift sent to enrich our eternal essence. It’s a profound call presenting a significant challenge and an amazing promise.
Amidst a crowd seeking signs and instant gratification, Jesus declares that the bread of God offers life to the world. This profound declaration invites us to embark on a life-long journey to follow God. It’s a challenge wrapped in a promise, demanding perseverance and faith.
As someone immersed in endurance sports, I can’t help but relate these challenges to those experienced during a race. Despite fatigue and adversity along the course, we are fueled by the reward of crossing the finish line. Similarly, Jesus calls us to remain steadfast in our faith, promising us the ultimate reward of eternal life.
This challenge may seem daunting, but it echoes the essence of all meaningful relationships in our lives. If we were to demand immediate validation from new friends, our circle might remain sparse. Building relationships is a continuous, gradual process that ultimately yields the gift of profound joy. Similarly, our relationship with God requires endurance, patience, and unwavering faith. But in the end, the promise before us is the greatest gift imaginable.
Prayer
Jesus proclaims that he is the way, the truth, and the life. Lord, this Easter mystery emboldened your apostles to preach the power of your resurrection from the dead, even to suffer martyrdom for your name’s sake. Though few, if any of us, will be asked to die a martyr’s death, help us to share the glory of your cross in how we live for others today, for it is our only hope and the way of our life. Amen!