FOOD THAT DOES NOT PERISH (Jn 6:22-29)
Prayer:
O Jesus, let me seek the Bread of life everlasting.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus teaching the crowds.
Context:
After Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes, he prays alone on the mountain. Meanwhile, his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum and Jesus walks on the water to rescue them. In this gospel, the crowd finds him at Capernaum, obviously wanting Jesus to multiply food again.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
The crowds searched for Jesus and when they found him, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you. You do not seek me because you see miracles, but because you have eaten and been filled with the loaves.
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 on him, the Father has set his seal.
They asked, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom God has sent.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The crowds make extraordinary efforts to be with Jesus.
- They want his miracles.
- The miracles are signs of the Kingdom.
- Jesus wants them to seek the Kingdom, not the signs.
- Jesus has a special food which they should seek. It will give eternal life.
- The crowds have an excellent question. How do they accomplish the works of God?”
- Jesus gives a direct answer. The “work of God” is “to believe in him.”
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, I will do everything possible to find you.
- You welcome me and rejoice that I have come.
- Jesus, you give me signs so I keep searching.
- I will search for the food that gives eternal life.
- With all my heart, I ask, “What works can I do for you, Jesus?”
- “Just believe in me”, you reply.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today, I will seek Jesus with all my heart.
+ I will hunger and thirst for Holy Communion.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
The crowds searched for Jesus and found him.