Today’s gospel discourse is on The Bread of Life; the Eucharist. As a cradle Catholic who happens to love music very much, my mind cannot help but erupt into song while reading these bible verses.
“I am the Bread of life,
He who comes to Me shall not hunger,
He who believes in Me shall not thirst.
No one can come to Me
Unless the Father draws him.
And I will raise him up,
And I will raise him up,
And I will raise him up on the last day.
The bread that I will give
Is My flesh for the life of the world,
And he who eats of this bread,
He shall live forever,
He shall live forever….”
The song continues with several more verses of God’s urgent message to us about the life-giving importance of the Eucharist.
The Bread of Life
Songs were written and still being sung today about the importance of the Eucharist. Jesus himself, and later the disciples, told us countless times that it is The Bread of Life that will sustain us. And yet, there are still so many people who deny this truth.
I recently learned of a young mother who was dying from cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 at fourteen weeks pregnant. If I understood the story correctly, she was granted a miracle and was healed until 2022 when the cancer returned. This time it had spread to other organs.
She documented her journey through “Blessed by Cancer” on Instagram. And after just minutes of reading her posts and stories, what stood out to me was her trust and need for the Eucharist. This, I thought, is a person who truly knows Who the Eucharist is.
I wanted to run to Mass to receive the Lord every time I read something she shared. What if we all could be that person for others? How wonderful it would be.
Jessica died on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday last week. Fitting, I think. I did not know this woman, but the little I learned led me to believe she truly knew Christ and shined His light for the world to see. Her love for the Eucharist was palpable. In your charity, please say a prayer for her soul and the husband and small children who are surely grieving the loss of her incredible presence.
Courage and Conviction
Like Philip in the Old Testament reading and like Jessica of Blessed by Cancer, may we have the courage and conviction to proclaim the good news. May we truly know our Lord and Savior in the Eucharist and run to Him every chance we get. For He truly is the Bread of Life.
What a beautiful reflection !