Bread of Life

Lent Day 33: Friday March 26

Theme for the Week: Holy Communion—Bread for the Journey

Passage for the Day: John 6:35

³⁵ Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Reflection:

In John’s Gospel, he does not record the details of a meal of bread and wine when the disciples gather with Jesus for the last time. At the last gathering John describes Jesus’ servant leadership in the washing of the disciples’ feet. However, John does record details of Jesus’ description of himself as the bread of life. This incident in Capernaum occurs shortly after Jesus’ feeding of the 5000. In John’s Gospel this revelation does not occur in a private setting with only the disciples, but rather with the crowds who have gathered around Jesus.

What a promise Jesus makes!! “I am the bread of life!” In different words than those used in Matthew and Mark’s versions of the last supper, Jesus again promises us that he will sustain us. If we come to him, we will never be hungry. Jesus gives us the food that lasts forever—not a perishable kind of food—but a food that nourishes, uplifts and strengthens our lives. Jesus nourishes us in a way that mere bread made from flour, water, salt and yeast cannot. Jesus feeds our bodies and our souls. Jesus puts himself at the core of our lives. Jesus gives us bread for the journey in this life and beyond.

Prayer Themes:

Thank God for Jesus, who is the bread of my life—the bread that sustains me. Pray that I may be open to Jesus’ nourishing action in my life. Pray for those who have never experienced Jesus’ sustaining work in their lives.