Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

In Sunday's Gospel John relays to us another story with bread as the central motif (the second of three consecutive Sunday's). This time Jesus challenges those who have come seeking another miracle like the feeding of the five thousand, to look beyond this world. 'Do not look for food that cannot last, but work for the food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering.'

When they press Jesus to give them a sign that He is indeed the one sent by God he does not perform another miracle, but speaks to them saying, 'I AM the bread of life.'

These words, 'I AM' are themselves a recurring theme in John's account of the Gospel, and they have a powerful connection to Jesus' audience. These are the words that God uses to answer Moses' question on the mountain, 'who will I say has sent me?'

In last week's reflection we were reminded that God's providence is there to provide sustenance for all, if sometimes through the hands and hearts of those who are called to share their blessings. This week, Jesus makes it clear that we are not being left alone to find our way to God's kingdom either. Jesus' lived example is the way. And we must follow it closely if we are to share in eternal life with Him.

(I'd love to hear what you think about this story or reflection. If you have any thoughts please feel free to leave a comment).

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