Our question today comes from the sixth chapter of the gospel of John.  Crowds of people, 5,000 we are told, are gathered on the hillside to be with Jesus.  Jesus asks the question of Phillip, a disciple, “Where are we to buy bread so these people may eat?” Phillip is sure they don’t have enough money and he is right!  Jesus takes 5 barley loaves and 2 fish, a small boy’s lunch, and after lifting it to Heaven and giving thanks, he feeds the entire crowd and has leftovers!

This painting by Daniele Crespi is entitled “Saint Charles Borromeo’s Fast”.  It seems to portray the essence of the question for me.  Side by side on the table are a loaf of bread, and a Bible,which contains the Living Word of God.  So which is the food?  One feeds the body and the other feeds the soul.  In John 6:35 Jesus proclaims, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

This collage, which I did a couple of years ago, depicts for me the hunger of our souls for what only Christ can bring.  Do we truly realize that in this meal of Holy Communion Christ himself is present?  It does not matter how small or large is our portion, it contains the same fullness of Christ.  And the bread given to the people on the hillside that day, or to the disciples at the Last Supper, is the same bread given to us at any Sacrament of Holy Communion because it is the body of Christ.  Each piece of bread contains the fullness of Christ for all persons for all generations, and we are all hungry.  Our souls are hungry!

“Where are we to buy this bread?”.  Jesus asks the question of Phillip and of all of us, and the answer is we CAN’T buy it!  It is not for sale!….which is precisely why Jesus asks the question. It can only be received through the sacrificial gift of Jesus as he said, “This is my body broken for you.” We cannot buy this bread!  It is God’s gift to us.  Each time we receive this bread, we receive Jesus.

I think again of the words to the hymn, “Fill My Cup Lord”…

“Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up Lord.  Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.  Bread of Heaven,  feed me til I want no more.  Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.”

Pondering…

When did you last receive spiritual food?

Do you believe the meal of Holy Communion contains the transforming grace of Jesus Christ?

Are you hungry?

nk