Acts 6:8-15
Psalm 118(119):23-24,26-27,29-30
John 6:22-29
Are you more focused on worldly pleasures than on your relationship with God?
Today’s Gospel is nothing short of thrilling! Picture this: a vibrant crowd trailing after Jesus, and at first glance, it seems like a fantastic spectacle. But wait—there’s a twist! These people weren’t merely seeking to know Him; they were on a quest for something far more mundane. Can you imagine? Coming to Church without a true desire to follow Jesus!
Why were they so captivated by Him? They were fixated on how Jesus had mysteriously appeared without boarding the boat with His disciples. They craved food, eager only for what could fill their bellies. Their sights were set on earthly sustenance, as if life revolved solely around their next meal! They wanted Jesus to sprinkle a little wonders on their lives—to make everything easier, smoother, safer, and more enjoyable without the bother of visiting the market. Just a few prayers, and boom—problem solved!
But Jesus had a vital lesson to impart: Life is about so much more than just physical food. He challenges them—and us—to reflect on our true motivations for following Him. Are we chasing fleeting satisfaction rather than seeking to please the heart of God? Are we more focused on worldly pleasures than on our relationship with our Heavenly Father? Jesus sees right through us; He knows our hearts! He is the Word Incarnate, the bread of life that never perishes and offers eternal sustenance.
Consider this: A man was once asked why he attends Holy Mass daily. His response was profound: “I want to be nourished by Jesus every day. I can’t turn down His offer of Himself in Holy Communion.” Wow! If Jesus is inviting us to partake in His life-giving bread each day, are we responding with the same enthusiasm?
Moreover, receiving Jesus as the living bread compels us to be part of this everlasting feast—believing in Him! Just think of Stephen, the deacon, who showed us that life’s purpose is far greater than distributing food. He passionately shared the Good News about Christ, and his wisdom astounded everyone, empowered by grace and the Holy Spirit. For Stephen, receiving Jesus meant gaining everything—losing only our sinfulness when we decide to turn toward Him!
God’s grace is an incredible and unearned gift, and Stephen radiated that grace so profoundly that Luke notes, “All who sat in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15).
Yet, the Sanhedrin, blinded by their hatred of this new movement, failed to accept the truth shining right in front of them. They were like the crowd in the Gospel, incapable of recognizing the miraculous signs Jesus performed—signs that pointed the way to the ultimate truth and life: the risen Christ Himself.
So, let’s make today count! Whatever we do, let’s do it with the mind of Christ. Remember, these miraculous signs come from God, revealing His presence in extraordinary ways we can’t even fathom. Jesus declares, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day” (Jn 6:40).
This is our faith! This is our purpose! And let’s not lose sight of the fact that Heaven is the ultimate prize! Let’s embrace this exciting journey together!
Fr Joseph Osho
