Jesus is the bread of life, the source of eternal sustenance and nourishment for all

Acts 8:1-8; Psalm: 65; Jn 6:35-40

In today’s first reading, we see a pivotal moment in the development of the early Christian church. Following the martyrdom of Stephen, a great persecution broke out against the believers in Jerusalem, causing many of them to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Despite their hardships, these believers did not cower in fear or abandon their faith. Instead, they continued to spread the message of Jesus Christ, preaching the gospel wherever they went. This demonstrates the resilience and commitment of the early Christians, who were willing to endure persecution and hardship for the sake of sharing the good news with others.

The story in today’s first reading also highlights the power of God to work through even the most difficult circumstances. Philip, one of the believers who fled from Jerusalem, found himself in the city of Samaria, where he began proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ to the crowds gathered there. Through his preaching and the signs and wonders that accompanied it, many people in Samaria came to believe in Jesus and were baptized. This serves as a reminder that God is always at work, even in times of persecution and hardship, and that nothing can hinder the spread of his message.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares himself to be the bread of life, the source of eternal sustenance and nourishment for all who believe in him. Just as physical food sustains our bodies, Jesus sustains our souls and gives us the strength to endure the hardships and challenges of life. By placing our faith in him and abiding in his word, we can find true fulfillment and purpose that cannot be found anywhere else. This passage emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus and relying on him for our spiritual nourishment.

The imagery of bread in today’s Gospel symbolizes the idea of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from knowing and following Jesus. Just as physical hunger can only be satisfied by eating food, our spiritual hunger can only be satisfied by partaking in the teachings and life of Christ. By coming to Jesus and believing in him, we can find true satisfaction and peace that surpasses all understanding. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are seeking fulfillment in the things of this world or the eternal truths of God’s word.

Today’s readings emphasize the importance of spreading the message of Jesus Christ and making disciples of all nations. The early Christians in Acts were willing to face persecution and hardship in order to share the gospel with others, while Jesus himself emphasized the importance of believing in him and abiding in his word. As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses to his love and grace, sharing the good news with those around us and making disciples of all nations. This requires courage, commitment, and a deep faith in the transformative power of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, today’s readings offer valuable insights into the early Christian church and the teachings of Jesus Christ. They remind us of the resilience and commitment of the early Christians in the face of persecution and the importance of placing our faith in Jesus as the bread of life. By spreading the message of Jesus Christ and making disciples of all nations, we can continue the work begun by the early believers and bring the light of Christ to a world in need of hope and salvation. Let us strive to abide in Jesus’ word, share his message with others, and find true satisfaction and fulfillment in him alone.