“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6:51).  

The major theme for this Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time continues last Sunday’s theme focusing on the Bread of Life that comes down from heaven, that our Lord wants to give us to satisfy our deepest hunger for spiritual sustenance more than our need for physical food.

In response to the spiritual hunger of people in His days, Jesus proclaims Himself to be “the Bread of Life that comes down from Heaven," and that “whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that He will give is His flesh for the life of the world” (John 6:51).

Jesus is willing to sacrifice and offer Himself to us for our sake, to satisfy our deepest hunger, needs and longings. Jesus continues inviting each one of us today as He already did on past Sundays, asking us not to seek only for the “bread” of the material food that will not fully satisfy us, but for the sustenance that endures for eternal life (John 6:27). This means that Jesus is inviting us to have a greater and deeper and more intimate personal relationship with Him, to unite ourselves more solidly with Him, that He is willing to assist and provide for us, rather than spending our time, treasure and talents searching only for the superficial, external miracles and impersonal relationships and material things that are passing.

Today’s readings provide us another opportunity to continue our reflection on the gift of the Holy Eucharist, the Bread of Life that comes down from heaven to save, feed and strengthen us on our journey, to draw us ever closer to Jesus Christ to gain the eternal life.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, how can we help each other accept the challenge to become bread and drink for others like Jesus did? How can we help each other appreciate Christ’s presence in the Holy Eucharist, increase our intimate union with Christ?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.