I Am the Bread of Life

April 9, 2008

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

By Melanie Rigney

“With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.” (Acts 8:6-8)

“Jesus said to the crowds, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.’” (John 6:35)

Piety

Fill me to the brim, oh Bread of Life. You are all the nourishment I need.

Study

Today's Readings

The Bible and pop culture images of Jesus sometime portray the disciples, the hangers-on, and the others as dim bulbs. Peter, the rock on whom Jesus built his church, The Twelve and their friends don’t quite understand what’s up with all those parables. And can’t you just see the puzzled look on the faces of those who had recently seen the miracle of the loaves and fishes when Jesus tells them, “I am the bread of life”? That with him, they’ll never thirst or hunger? How could that be?

Then Jesus goes on to say that he “will not reject anyone who comes to me” and that those whom believe in him “may have eternal life.” How could that be?

In today’s first reading, we see the bread of life in action. The Apostles stay in Jerusalem, but Christ’s other followers scatter throughout Judea and Samaria. The church has no choice but to evangelize to other cultures. Philip goes to Samaria, where he cures the crippled and paralyzed and rids others of unclean spirits and “great joy” results.

Jesus may not have been physically with Philip in Samaria, but his presence surely nourished this evangelist there and beyond. In the same way, Christ is with us always. We have only to believe.

Action

Appreciating the concept of Jesus as the bread of life can be difficult if you are in serious need of physical nourishment. This week, check out the World Hunger Education Service at www.worldhunger.org. Since 1976, this nonprofit organization has shared information about the causes, extent, and efforts to end hunger and poverty throughout the world. Our sister Arlington Diocese Cursillista Margie Ferris Morris serves on the group’s board. The WHES Web site offers opportunities to influence public policy; contribute financially to reducing hunger and poverty; and work directly with the poor. If that’s all beyond your capabilities, click on the “Contribute Free Food” link. WHES contributes 2 cents to Save the Children for each person who completes the quiz.