Ex. 16:2-4, 12-15, 31a; Ephes. 4:17, 20-24; Jn. 6:24-35
Today's First Reading from the sixteen Chapter in the Book of Exodus [Ex. 16:2-4, 12-15, 31a] made reference to a very well known event, the raining of bread from Heaven. Exodus 16:4-5: The story of manna in the wilderness is pivotal in understanding this passage. Just as God provided manna to the Israelites, Jesus is now offering the true bread from heaven.
Another passage from Isaiah 55:2, also echoes Jesus' call to seek the food that endures for eternal life. "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Jesus gave many references and stories to drive home this idea. Jesus tells the parable of a rich man who stores up earthly wealth but is not rich toward God (Luke 12:16-21). This story aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 6 to seek the food that endures for eternal life.
The miracle, Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-14, which precedes the discourse, is a tangible example of Jesus providing physical sustenance that points to the spiritual nourishment He offers.
Many saints practised this teaching of Jesus in their lives and gave us concrete examples.
St. Francis of Assisi: Known for his profound simplicity and commitment to living the Gospel, St. Francis gave up earthly wealth to follow Christ. His life is a testament to seeking spiritual nourishment over material wealth.
St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa): She saw Christ in the poorest of the poor and dedicated her life to serving them, emphasizing the importance of spiritual richness over material wealth.
St. John Vianney: The Curé of Ars, who lived a life of austerity and deep devotion, always pointed his parishioners toward the necessity of spiritual sustenance and the sacraments.
The fleeting nature of life and the unpredictability of earthly existence compel us to seek something that transcends the temporal. Jesus, the bread of life, offers us this eternal sustenance.
The plight of refugees is a poignant illustration of seeking spiritual sustenance amidst physical loss. One such story is that of the Al-Mustafa family from Syria, whose journey from despair to hope underscores the message of John 6:24-35.
The Al-Mustafa family lived in Aleppo, Syria, a city once vibrant but devastated by war. Ahmed, the father, owned a small grocery store, and his wife, Fatima, was a schoolteacher. They had three children. As the war intensified, life in Aleppo became unbearable. One night, a bombing raid destroyed their home. With their belongings reduced to rubble, the Al-Mustafas decided to flee. Carrying only a few essentials, they embarked on a perilous journey to find safety.
After weeks of arduous travel, facing threats from both nature and human hostility, the family arrived at a refugee camp in Lebanon. The camp, crowded and under-resourced, offered little in the way of physical comfort. Yet, amidst the chaos, Ahmed and Fatima found a small community of fellow Syrians who had also fled the war.
This community, although formed out of necessity, became a source of support. They shared food, resources, and most importantly, faith. A local church, despite limited means, opened its doors to the refugees. The church organized prayer meetings, Bible studies, and services that welcomed everyone. For the Al-Mustafas, these gatherings became a sanctuary. Ahmed, who had always been a devout Muslim, found solace in the shared prayers and the universal messages of hope and compassion. Fatima, who had once taught children, began volunteering to help with educational activities at the church. And the three children began to revive their hope.
The story of the Al-Mustafa family highlights the profound message in John 6:24-35. When faced with the loss of all earthly possessions, it is faith that provides true sustenance.
Natural disasters, like the landslides in Kerala, bring about immense loss of life and property, shaking the very foundations of communities. Such calamities remind us of the fragility of life and the insignificance of material possessions. In these moments, the message of John 6:24-35 becomes especially relevant, emphasizing the need for spiritual sustenance.
In August 2020, a devastating landslide occurred in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, following heavy monsoon rains. The landslide buried a tea plantation settlement, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives and leaving families homeless. Now Wayanad is experiencing the same situation. These disasters underscored the vulnerability of communities living in disaster-prone areas and the unpredictable nature of life. However, it also highlights the strength and resilience that comes from a community united in faith. Just as Jesus offered the bread of life to those seeking Him, we are called to seek spiritual nourishment that sustains us through life's storms. In times of calamity, let us hold fast to this eternal promise and extend it to those in need, providing hope in the face of loss.
The current calamities and events compel us to engage in Charitable Work, to share the little we have with those who have lost everything, to volunteer to help those in need - whether through food drives, shelter support, or educational programs. Serving others will help us to shift our focus from material to spiritual wealth.