The gospel passage for today describes a moment after Jesus has multiplied the loaves and fish and fed the crowd of more than five thousand (cf Jn 6: 1-10 ff). It is the next day and the crowds have come in search of Jesus. It is interesting to note that the gospel writer pays particular attention to some of the details: Jesus had not gone along with this disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left (Jn 6: 22), yet as the sun rose that day, the crowds saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there ... so they got into the boats and came ... looking for Jesus (Jn 6: 24).
What were the crowds looking for when they came looking for Jesus? What do we seek when we come to Jesus? Perhaps we have heard the stories that are recounted in the gospels. Perhaps we have heard them many times, but how often have we actually thought that we are the people who are in the crowds: we are the people who come looking for Jesus? What are we seeking?
Jesus warned the crowds not to be satisfied with physical food: do not work for food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life (Jn 6: 27). How often do we seek this kind of food, or are we content to receive that which will satisfy our curiosity in the moment? In fact, Jesus helped the crowds that day by pointing the way to at least the first step toward a deeper understanding. When they asked: What can we do ...? he told them: ... believe in the one he has sent (Jn 6: 28-29).
We too can take the first steps along this journey by simply inviting Jesus to help us. Ask him today to help us to grow in our belief, to develop a sense of hunger for him in our hearts. It worked for the disciples and it can work for us.
Have a great day.
No comments:
Post a Comment