John 6:24-35

24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.”

28 Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

32 Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Looking for Jesus

The Gospel we read today invites us to reflect on some crucial issues. May we read the text again with deep concentration and respond to these proposed questions.

Who is Christ for me today?
Do I believe that He is almighty and still performing miracles?
What do I expect Him to do for me, for those I love?
Do I believe that all I have, my skills, my family, my job, my joys, my successes are from Him?
Do I try to look for Him, asking for more earthly success, belongings, health and wealth?
Do I feel the need to be equipped for eternal life? Or do I feel I don't need it?
Am I among those who came looking for Jesus "because I ate bread" (V. 26) and would like to proclaim as king Him who can provide me with this earthly bread (John 6:15)?
Jesus is certainly able and willing to give me many gifts for free. Do I seek His love, mercy, compassion, wisdom, and promise of eternal life?

Today's Gospel reminds us of God's wealth beyond our earthly life. He would like us to be among the members of His kingdom.

God never imposes love nor faith upon us because He created us with the freedom to accept or refuse them. Both of them are required to be Jesus' disciples and partakers in His eternal kingdom.

Thank God for giving us the earthly bread, and even more thanks and gratitude for granting us the heavenly bread.

Forgive us when we seek the earthly bread without caring for the eternal one.

In looking for Jesus with longing for eternal bread, don't be surprised to see Him looking for us and welcoming us before we even reach Him.