Bread of Life

Today's readings: Psalms 62; 145, Genesis 19:1-17 (18-23) 24-29, Hebrews 11:1-12, John 6:27-40

When Jesus refers to himself as "the Bread of Life" he promises that anyone who eats of his body and drinks of his blood will never hunger or thirst (John 6:35). Of course this is a metaphor, but legendary saints like Therese of Lisieux claimed to need no nourishment but the Eucharist. The unperishing, completely filling food Jesus speaks of is that which satisfies our souls. Physical food sustains our existence but spiritual food transforms existence into eternal life.

Recognizing our mortality often leads to acknowledging a terrifying void in the core of our beings. Typical mid-life crises can involve the panicked acquisition of perishable things in an attempt to fill that void - things like fast vehicles, younger romantic partners, and one more promotion. However, the mid-life crisis is just regular life writ large. Who hasn't spent a sleepless night wondering if they've done enough with their lives, or regretting actions taken and untaken? We like to think there is something on the horizon we can do or have that will satisfy the unnamable longing within us. Advertisers know how to manipulate this spiritual hunger - after all they refer to us as "consumers." Spiritual junk food is much like actual junk food, which burdens us with extra weight to carry while leaving us malnourished.

Paradoxically, the food Jesus offers us is ... nothing. It is freedom from worldly concerns that comes with trusting we are beloved children of God. It is freedom from guilt and shame. It is freedom from feeling an unhealthy need for control. In the absence of all the things and attitudes we do and acquire to fill the void, the Spirit finds room to fill us with peace and love.

Not that contentment leaves us lazy! Food is fuel, after all, and the Bread of Life fuels us into joyous and fulfilling action. We don't serve our brothers and sisters in the hopes of finding joy - we serve them because we are already stuffed to the gills with joy. Our praise does not spring from a sense of obligation, but from a sense of gratitude. We work best - physically and spiritually - with a balanced diet.

Evening readings: Psalms 73; 9