The Bread of Life

The Gospel reading for the celebration of the Eucharist today is taken from the Gospel according to John where we hear how Jesus is the Bread of Life:

 

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? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ 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. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’

 

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.  (Jn. 6:30-35).

 

Today we have any number of diets that are low carb; bread is bad!  In Jesus’ day, that was not the case.  Bread was a staple; it was a good thing.  Bread was a source of nourishment and life.  It still is.  Jesus tells us today that he is the very source of life and sustenance.  Jesus keeps us going. Jesus keeps us alive.  You and I encounter the risen Lord in the Breaking of the Bread and the Sharing of the Cup.  Jesus becomes manifest to us in simple bread, and simple wine.  Jesus is present; he is the source of our life and being.

 

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father: thank you for sending your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to be the Bread of Life for the world.  Forgive us for elevating earthly appetites above devotion to you.  Feed us with the knowledge of Christ so that we recognize our sin and gladly repent in his name.  Amen.

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE OUT 4^TH ANNUAL “BIGMISTA AND FRIENDS BBQ” A SUCCESS.  It was a lot of hard work!

 

CALENDAR REMINDERS

 

New Christian Adult Education Series:  “The Resurrection: Now What?”  We will look at the early Church, the development of the canon of Scripture and the Patristic period over the next several weeks.  Join us at 11:00 AM after breakfast.

 

Please remember everyone on our Prayer List, especially Julie, Pat, Gladys and all of those serving in the Armed Forces at home and abroad.

 

Your servant in Christ,

 

The Rev. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550