“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35).  

The major theme for this Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time challenges us to trust in the providential care of our loving God, and strive to satisfy not only our physical needs, but also our spiritual hunger and thirst for the Bread of eternal life – the Holy Eucharist.

World Food Program (WFP) reports that one in nine people in the world do not get enough food to be healthy. Hunger and malnutrition are sad realities of many people’s lives. However, the good news is that hunger and malnutrition can be eliminated when we work together and share our resources of time treasure and talents with those in need. 

We hunger and thirst for many things besides food and material possessions. We hunger to be recognized and honored, to be loved and to love, to be listened to and to be appreciated, to help, console and encourage people and receive gratitude… But only God can satisfy truly our various forms of spiritual hunger, just as St. Augustine says: "O God You have made us for Yourself and our heart is restless until it rests in You” (Confessions).

The “Bread of Life,” the Holy Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian Life” (Lumen Gentium), because it is Jesus Christ Himself.  The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament of love that unites us and brings us salvation, empowering us to fulfill our duties of mission and evangelization, to participate in different works of mercy and to accomplish the will of God.

Pope Francis says that the “Holy Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak” (Evangelium Gaudium 47). Therefore, let us receive Him worthily (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, how can we accept God’s “Bread of Life” with conviction, courage, understanding, and appreciation to evangelize the world?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.