I Am the Bread of Life
The Jewish leaders understood that when the Messiah came, he would again bring them bread from heaven just as Moses did. Jesus is teaching them that the bread from heaven did not come from Moses but from God. And to go one step more, Jesus is offering them the bread of life. Can they accept that?
The Bread of Life Jesus offers is for eternal life, not a bread that will decay. Jesus is explaining that the bread He offers is a spiritual bread that nourishes the soul. Not only is it for eternal life but to give us the graces necessary for today as well. The Bread of Life Jesus offers is also strengthening our relationship with Jesus. As Jesus works within us, we are taken within Him. We leave our tendency to sin and to grow in virtues. The Bread of Life is also for the day of resurrection. When we will be given a glorified body to spend eternity in heaven.
The Bread of Life, Jesus Himself, body, blood, soul, and divinity, can we accept that? Just as the Jewish leaders of two thousand years ago, we are challenged with the same question. Can I accept this? The next time you are at Mass, ask yourself, what am I actually receiving at Holy Eucharist.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen