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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.
But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe.”
John 6:35–36
Some who listened to Jesus’ Bread of Life Discourse must have been
shocked. Those who listened with faith began to believe in Him,
even though their understanding was not complete. Those who
listened with skepticism were not only shocked but angered, as
evidenced by their reaction. Today’s Gospel marks Jesus’ clearest
revelation of His divine identity and mission, inviting us to
accept Him into our lives.
After proclaiming Himself to be the Bread of Life, Jesus reveals
His unity with the Father in Heaven Who sent Him on His mission. He
proclaims that He “will not reject anyone who comes to” Him because
He “came down from heaven” to do the will of the Father Who sent
Him. Jesus concludes with a declaration about the Father’s will and
Jesus’ mission: “Everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may
have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day” (cf. John
6:37–40). Again, without the ears of faith, what Jesus revealed
must have been shocking.
At that time, the people of Israel were used to listening to rabbis
who interpreted the Law of Moses, the psalms, and the prophets for
them. These educated teachers often spoke clearly and with
authority, but never like Jesus. His clarity and authority were
pronounced, and His message He taught was new. Not even the
prophets of old spoke like Him. When they prophesied, they usually
began by saying, “Thus says the Lord…” Jesus’ teaching took a
drastic shift by essentially proclaiming, “I AM the Lord…”
Though some might have been skeptical and critical, it’s important
for us to consider those who were humble of heart who listened to
Jesus’ words with openness and faith. As they heard this new and
amazing teaching, their hearts would have responded, “Yes!”, while
their minds would have said, “I don’t understand.”
When we experience the gift of faith, we will find we have that
same reaction. God’s revealed and mysterious truths often stir our
spirits first, calling us to believe, and only once we believe, is
clarity given. In fact, faith often precedes understanding,
inviting us to trust first and receive deeper insights in time. For
that reason, we must understand that belief does not require
perfect understanding. It’s appropriate to believe in our spirit,
even though our minds have not yet grasped the truth we believe.
This is especially the case with the Eucharist.
Saint John Vianney once said, “There is nothing so great as the
Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given
it to us.” Do you believe that? Of all the material possessions we
might obtain in this life, nothing is more valuable, important, or
precious than the Eucharist. Why? Because the Eucharist is Jesus
Himself. He is the Bread of Life. His Body and Blood, Soul and
Divinity enter our souls when we receive this precious gift.
After Jesus said to the crowds, “whoever comes to me will never
hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst,” He said that
some would not believe in Him. But those who do believe, despite an
incomplete understanding of the Eucharist, are promised they will
“never hunger” and “never thirst.” Clearly, the hunger and thirst
Jesus speaks of are far greater than physical needs. It’s the
longing that comes from the depths of our being, desiring
fulfillment, contentment, and peace. It’s a desire to be made
whole, free from guilt and shame, satisfied beyond any natural
satisfaction. This is the Eucharist. Jesus is truly present in the
Eucharist, desiring to satisfy our souls’ every
longing.
Reflect today on Jesus’ invitation to satiate your soul’s deepest
hunger and thirst through the Eucharist. He calls you to a personal
encounter, to find in Him the true satisfaction that the world
cannot give. We attempt to acquire that satiation through many
passing means, such as pleasures, comforts, indulgences, wealth,
and prestige. None of it works. As you look into your soul and
identify the many longings you have, turn to Him alone Who
satisfies. Renew your faith in the Eucharist and receive the
satiation He desires to bestow.
My Eucharistic Lord, You have promised that if I come to You,
You will satisfy my deepest longings, every hunger and thirst. I do
come to You and believe that You are the Bread of Life, the only
means to the Father. I renew my faith in Your True Presence in the
Eucharist and pray that every time I receive You, my heart will be
open to Your transforming love. Jesus, I trust in You.
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