Give us this bread always – March 22

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144
Jer. 18:1-11; Rom. 8:1-11; John 6:27-40

Today’s Reflection

For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’  John 6:33-34

After the vestry meeting last night, I made a few phone calls on the way home. Sam and the kids had just finished baseball practice and stopped at the grocery store to pick up something for dinner. What they brought home was a hodge-podge in which everyone got to eat just what they wanted. A Cuban sandwich. Chicken and veggie ramen. A Lunchable. Chicken tortilla soup. And a baguette to share. After a quick warming in the oven, the bread was crisp on the outside and warm on the inside. Butter spread easily over the steaming loaf.

Sam turned on “The Music Man” and we enjoyed our meals. The kids were transfixed by the salesmen singing on the train, speeding up and slowing down with the cadence of the locomotive. They were delighted by the rivaling school board turned barber shop quartet. We watched this movie that has been a soul-warming one for me.

When I read the gospel appointed for today in John 6, I think about the bread my family ate last night. It was especially satisfying. And the time together was especially satisfying. It felt like a treat – on a Tuesday night in Lent.

I try to remember that evenings like this- those that feel holy and good – are gifts from God. There will be bumps in the day ahead and I may feel unsatisfied or frustrated. I will get hungry again and the bread will not be as good. Or I will forget where I am most nourished. Jesus reminds us of the true source of goodness: “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

It is bread given in love. It is bread filled with grace. It is bread that gathers all to the table. It is bread that sustains and fills us through the darkest of times.

Let us say in return, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection:

Think about when you have felt satisfied this week. Who was there? What was happening? What happened next?

Daily Challenge:

Pay attention to moments today that feel satisfying. When you feel full or enough, if even for a moment. Take a deep breath and then exhale. Pray a simple prayer of thanksgiving to God.