The seed of faith grows and deepens, and the Eucharist is the best food for such faith-deepening. This religious truth is the focus of today’s reflection.
After the miracle of the feeding of five thousand (Jn 6:1-15, 24-35), the Lord Jesus Christ leaves the western shore of the sea of Galilea, also called the sea of Tiberias, and crosses over to the northern shore, to the city of Capernaum. It is a journey of about 6.3 miles. As the Lord continues the work of the Father, many who receive the miracle follow him across the sea (Jn 6:24).
The Lord has already planted the seed of faith in their hearts. They have started to warm up to Christ. Their intention may not have been the right one, yet their desire is important for the first stage of faith life.
Gradual Growth
The Lord gradually and steadily leads people to himself as Lord and Savior. Often, faith life begins with material concerns. By the grace of God, it matures into deeper life in Christ.
Have you reflected on how your faith life or those of some of your friends or relatives began? It could be because some of your social, emotional or physical needs were met. You came to the Lord and then, the Lord gradually takes over. Initially you were in charge. Gradually, if you are truly growing in the interior life, the Lord takes over and leads you to where he wants. Often, as he told the apostle Peter, he leads you to where you would rather not want to go. When this begins to happen, you’ve started living the life of Christ.
The story of the people searching for the Lord in the above referenced Gospel could be our story also. Their followership of the Lord at this stage was based on social concerns. They were fed with bread, a great miracle which was a pointer to the Eucharist. They were determined not to lose sight of Jesus, “the miracle worker” in their midst. They would crown him king (Jn 6:15). They might lobby those who have influence in the community to make sure he stays in their city and not go elsewhere. He is an asset that has to be “owned” as their property, all for the wrong reasons.
God Knows Every Heart
So, when they finally see the Lord across the sea, they express their curiosity, looking for him. He knows their hearts. As God, the Lord knows every heart. When we gather in worship or for Eucharistic celebration, he knows why each and every worshipper has gathered.
The Lord sees those who follow him because they want to belong to the “club”—social identity. He knows those who come, because they see the Church as a place they can find a suitor, a friend, or build social relationships or economic networking. The Lord knows the heart of some worshippers who come to worship simply because it is the family tradition. He sees the heart of those who come because they are lonely and bored at home. The Lord equally knows those who worship him in spirit and truth. The Lord knows every heart, including yours and mine.
He told the people who crossed the sea searching for him as he tells us: “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal” (Jn 6:26-27).
Devotion to the Eucharist
The above words are challenging as well as inspiring. The Lord is speaking to us about the need to purify our intentions every step of the way. He points to the need for faith in him as the food that endures to eternal life, which he alone is and can give. He gives this food in the Eucharist.
As a believer, what is your devotion to the Eucharist? How about this week, you approach the Eucharistic celebration with devotion, knowing we gather first and foremost to worship the Lord, and be participants in the sacrifice of the cross through which we are born anew.
God love you. God bless you.
[Readings: 18th Sunday Year B: Ex 16:2-4, 12-15; Eph 4:17, 20-24; Jn 6:24-35]
Father Maurice, thanks for this wise reflection on the ways in which our Lord draws us to Him. You are right that people approach Him out of many different intentions, sometimes out of material or social concerns or just lukewarm curiosity. Some even come to Him out of a desire to disprove Him! But the wonderful thing is that He sees every heart, and transforms them beautifully through His grace. Wherever we come from, we find and receive Him in the Eucharist. God bless.