Por Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB

Our adventure into St. John’s Gospel this eighteenth Sunday opens with the Exodus account of God providing food for the liberated Hebrews., a foreshadowing of the food Jesus provides in the Eucharist. Then, St. Paul to the Ephesians launches into a strong exhortation to accept and live the way we Christians ought, according to the new set of rules given by Jesus. Among these, of course, is to believe the Lord when he said, “This is my Body, my Blood,” and, “As often as you do this, do it in commemoration of Me.”

Now, in John 6, Jesus and His Disciples had returned from Jerusalem and its surroundings to the Lakeside. Crowds followed Him, and He worked the great sign reported in all four Gospels, the multiplication of loaves and fishes. Afterward, He walked on the stormy sea and helped the Disciples reach their home port of Capernaum. Many of those who witnessed the multiplication followed, and Jesus entered a discussion with them. We might compare them to any of us who expect signs from Jesus.

To these eager followers Jesus said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.” Jesus sought their faith. They were looking for a king of favors and of their bellies. He told them not to seek the food that perishes but for “the food that endures for eternal life which the Son of Man will give you.” Jesus was already hinting toward His gift of the Eucharist. The hinting would grow stronger and stronger.

But, as if the miracle of loaves and fishes was not enough, they wanted yet another. Fortunately, their doubts and the replies of Jesus strengthen us who hunger and thirst for enduring life with God. As faith is necessary for us, so too for them; they must strive to accept that Jesus was sent by God; that He is the true bread come down from heaven; and that He brings eternal life. Believe in Him y never hunger or thirst. Brothers and Sisters, this is trulyHe who comes to us in Holy Communion!

Let everything that breathes, give praise to the Lord.

(Ps 150, end)