Daily Bread

Eighteenth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

01 August 2021 

 

First Reading: EX 16:2-4, 12-15

Responsorial Psalm: PS 78:3-4, 23-24, 25, 54

Second Reading: EPH 4:17, 20-24

Gospel: JN 6:24-35

 

Reflection

By: Pietro Albano

 

"Sir, give us this bread always."

Such plea runs parallel to the words Jesus taught us to say to the Father. "Give us this day our daily bread". Jesus knew very well the hunger of the world for Him that He willed to take the humble form of bread. We are so blessed that this bread is available for us to receive in the Mass. Just like ordinary food that must be shared, Our Lord - in the form of bread - must be shared with others, especially the poor, the outcast, and those who do not know Him yet. It is unfortunate to note how some Church leaders have used Holy Communion as a wall that divides the saints and sinners in our community. Such action, for me, defeats the very words of Christ: "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." Indeed, as Pope Francis once said: "The Eucharist is essential for us: it is Christ who wishes to enter our lives and fills us with His grace. The Eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, it is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak."

• What is Holy Communion for you?
• What can you do to satisfy the world's hunger for Jesus?
• How can you encourage more people to receive Jesus in the Eucharist? 

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for your Word today. Give us this day Yourself, our daily bread. Amen.