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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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1 Kings 19:4-8 Psalm 43 Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2 John 6: 41-51
The theme of today's readings is life-giving bread. In the first reading, an angel supplies food for the prophet Elijah which strengthens him for forty days and nights. We are reminded of the way God provided for the people of Israel in the desert where they journeyed for 40 years.
IAgain, the gospel reading draws on the desert experience of the Israelites. The complaints of the people against Jesus are like the complaints of the Israelites against Moses. Jesus teaches the people whom he had fed with ordinary bread that he is the bread of life. Just as people of Israel ate the manna in the wilderness, so he is the source of nourishment for those who believe in him. This bread, however, is different. Firstly, it brings eternal life, and secondly, and more astonishingly, it is Jesus' own flesh.
We eat the bread of life when we take part in the Eucharist. The word Eucharist means "thanksgiving". Spend time today giving thanks for this gift of God.
At the Eucharist we are in communion with God and with our neighbour. Be aware today of the close bonds which unite your Eucharistic community. Is there any way you could strengthen these bonds?