In our Gospel we were told, “when they were filled, He said to His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, lest they be lost. They gathered up therefore, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barely loaves, which remained over and above to them that had eaten.”
Later in this sixth chapter of Saint John’s Gospel we are given the Bread of Life Discourse. The Gospel of Saint John is the only gospel lacking the Eucharistic Narrative. Nevertheless, this gospel is very rich in it’s teaching of the Eucharist especially this sixth chapter. Here we are told, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
These are strong words of assurance. We must remember that in the Book of Exodus the Israelites were led out of their slavery into the desert. It was here that they toiled about for 40 long years as they journeyed towards the promised land. They then began to grumble, much like us, against God that it would been better for them to return to their slavery for they were tired and hungry. God heard their cry and sent down bread from Heaven of which they would eat. This food served as nourishment on their journey towards the promised land.
We too toil about as we journey towards Everlasting Life. Following our baptism it can become easy to desire to look back, but we must continue to move forward towards God. Therefore, the Most Holy Eucharist becomes food for our journey. The Eucharist is not just mere food for the one whom we receive is truly God made Flesh. This is Jesus Christ who is present with us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. As great as the bread that came that came down from Heaven was the bread that Christ gives is greater.
As this miracle of the feeding of the multitude was worked we notice that everyone had their fill. So too will we find our fulfillment through Christ. So often we attempt to find our fulfillment in other areas, but all of these things will always leaves empty and wanting more. Christ alone is the answer that we seek. Let us always go out in search for Him in order that we may be found willing to invite Him to enter under our roof.
During this Lenten season let us reflect upon those ways in which foster devotion to Christ in the Eucharist and those ways in which we fail to make such time for Him. Our parish has an adoration chapel and the Lord is inviting you and your family to spend time with Him. When we enter into this Church we are also in His Presence. Let us use this time not for useless banter, but as time to step away from the world and to dwell with Christ.
Let us allow this Heavenly Food, the Bread of Angels, to nourish our soul in order that we may run that race which leads towards Everlasting Life.
