Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Today’s Gospel highlights a central tenet of our Catholic faith: Jesus is the bread of life. While we can certainly take this as an opportunity to deepen our theological understanding of the Eucharist, it was the response of the people in the crowd that caught my attention. “Sir, give us this bread always.” I think of the longing that is reflected in such a request. When they heard that this bread gives life to the world, what was stirring in their hearts that they were moved to respond with such earnestness instead of doubt or confusion? What parts of their lives felt deficient that receiving this true bread would satisfy? What inside of me longs for the bread of life when I approach the Eucharist?
Jesus replies to their request with an invitation and affirmation, welcoming people to come to him and believe in him. As the bread of life, He will meet their hunger and thirst in ways they cannot imagine. Reflecting on this gift reminds me of the privilege I have in being able to receive the Eucharist on a regular basis. Spending time in nursing homes and in parts of the world that do not have many priests reminds me that not everyone can come to the table with the same convenience of access that I can. It is truly a gift to have not just one but a family of parishes, in which I can participate in and find nourishment. Yet, there are still so many in our world who hunger and thirst in physical and spiritual ways and cannot come to the table. The bread of life is for them as well. Perhaps the next time we receive the Eucharist, we might remember those who are incarcerated, cannot leave their homes, are in care facilities, or are in underserved areas and offer a prayer for them. If we feel so called, maybe we can participate in a ministry, like the food pantry, that responds to those needs so that all who hunger can come to know the bread of life.
—Sabina Marroquin