Sunday Reflections

Today’s gospel reading continues with the Gospel of John, chapter 6, with Jesus reiterating once again that he himself is the bread of life; that only he can offer food and drink which will satisfy.  Although the main theme is the same this Sunday as the last two, there is a slightly different focus today which can perhaps be best seen in the first and second readings.

In the reading from Proverbs Wisdom is preparing to invite and welcome the unwise into her house.  All the unwise, those who have been existing separate from God, are offered the gift of Wisdom, and with it, true life in God. How does Wisdom plan to accomplish this?  How will these unwise people be given wisdom?  By eating and drinking the bread and wine prepared for them by Wisdom.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians also encourages his listeners not to be foolish and get drunk on the wine offered by humanity, but to learn to walk as wise people, following the will of the Lord.  Paul instead tells the Ephesians to be filled with the Spirit.

Even John’s gospel relates that the people who heard Jesus say “I am the bread of life… he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life,” were confused and did not understand how someone could eat a person’s flesh.  It is indeed not an easy phrase to understand.  Only through the Wisdom given to us by God through the Holy Spirit can we see with the eyes of faith and understand that Jesus is true spiritual food, the only food and drink which will give us a full life in this world and eternal life in the next.

Let us pray today that, as we receive the Eucharist, we may be filled with wisdom and strengthened in our faith.