Strengthened By The Bread Of Life

08-11-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Augustine Acheme, VC

This Sunday’s readings remind us of the sustaining power of God’s provision and the spiritual nourishment offered through Jesus, the Bread of Life. The stories of Elijah, Paul’s exhortations, and Jesus’ teachings highlight our need for divine strength to continue our spiritual journey.

In the first reading, Elijah, overwhelmed and despairing, prays for death under a broom tree. However, God provides for him in his moment of weakness. An angel brings him a hearth cake and a jug of water, saying, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” (1 Kgs 19:7). This miraculous provision strengthens Elijah to walk forty days and nights to the mountain of God. Elijah’s experience shows us that even in our darkest times, God offers the sustenance we need to continue.

The responsorial psalm invites us to “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord” (Ps 34:9). This call to experience God’s goodness is a reminder of the joy and fulfillment found in His presence. The psalmist praises God’s constant deliverance and protection, encouraging us to seek refuge in Him and trust in His provision.

In the second reading, Paul urges the Ephesians to live in a manner worthy of their calling. He instructs them to “be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Eph 4:32). This call to embody Christ’s love and forgiveness is essen al for a harmonious community. Paul’s words remind us that our spiritual journey involves both receiving God’s grace and extending it to others.

The Gospel continues Jesus’ discourse on the Bread of Life. The crowd murmurs in disbelief at Jesus’ claim to be the bread from heaven. Jesus responds, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever” (Jn 6:51). He explains that this bread is His flesh, given for the life of the world. Jesus’ teaching invites us to a deeper understanding of the Eucharist as the source of eternal life and spiritual sustenance.

These readings invite us to reflect on how we seek and receive God’s provision in our lives. Elijah’s story teaches us that God’s sustenance often comes when we feel most depleted. The psalm encourages us to actively seek and trust in God’s goodness. Paul’s exhortation calls us to live out the love and forgiveness we have received. Jesus’ words in the Gospel remind us that true nourishment and eternal life are found in Him, the Bread of Life.

This week, let us open our hearts to the sustaining power of God’s provision. In moments of weakness, let us remember Elijah and trust that God will provide what we need to continue our journey. Let us taste and see God’s goodness, extending His love and forgiveness to others. Above all, let us seek the living bread from heaven, Jesus Christ, who offers us eternal life and strength for our spiritual journey. Amen.

Fr. Augustine Acheme, VC