The Bread of Heaven

AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 • PM Psalm 119:121-144
Jer. 18:1-11 • Rom. 8:1-11 • John 6:27-40

The problem of hunger in the world is both shocking and shameful. Every day an estimated 282 million people are hungry, impacting women and children worst and first. It makes one uncomfortable in the tendency to take for granted our daily sustenance.

When I was caught up in my substance abuse in the 1980s, I survived physically by eating in soup kitchens. I was grateful that they were there. I remember one day I felt weak from hunger, almost to the point of passing out. And at the same time, I was also spiritually starving: I had left the Lord behind in my addiction. My world had become so small, there was no room to let him in.

In today’s gospel reading, the people the day before were fed by Jesus in the miracle of the loaves and fishes. They misinterpreted the message of Jesus, who is trying to teach them about spiritual hunger: “Do not work for the food that perishes…”

The people want to again be treated to something spectacular and ask for a sign in order to believe in Jesus. How often do we ask for signs that we have made the right choices in life?

When they speak of Moses giving their ancestors manna in the wilderness, Jesus tells them he is the true bread from heaven: “This is the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.”

May we daily remember the true bread from heaven, even as we strive to assuage hunger in the world.

Written by Christopher Koppel

…who is very grateful for St. Paul’s.