Daily Gospel Reflection for May 5, 2014

Today's Gospel: John 6:22-29

Do we look for Jesus only for what he can do for us?

The crowds in this gospel reading looked for Jesus because he had recently performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. They looked for him to keep their physical hunger at bay and give them free meals.

They searched for Him, looking hard, until they finally found Him in Capernaum. But Jesus knew their motives were all wrong. “You are looking for me …because you ate the loaves and were filled.”

He wanted them to understand His purpose to satisfy their spiritual hunger for love and holiness.  “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you.”

This gospel reading begins the Bread of Life discourse which explains how the multiplication of the bread symbolizes the Holy Eucharist, Jesus’ own body becoming nourishment for our souls the way bread nourishes our bodies.

Jesus does not want us to live for what satisfies us temporarily.  He wants us to live for God, keeping His commands and loving one another.

No matter how much food or wealth or power we gain in this life, we will never find true peace and happiness from them because they are only temporary.  True and everlasting joy and peace can only be found in God.

Yes, Jesus most certainly hears and answers prayers.  He is with us and helps us always and in everything.  But to search for Him only when we need Him to give us something or solve a problem is having the wrong motive.

We should live for Him out of love, and then all the rest will fall into place.  He will provide everything we need and ask.

Come to Jesus for who He is, not for what he can give us in this life.  He wants us to know that He can not only provide the bread for life, but He is the Bread of Life!

Ponder:

Do we worship and pray less fervently to God until we need to ask Him for something?

Pray:

My God, fill us with sincere and ardent love for you. Help us to see all that you do for us every day.  Make us mindful of everything good and beautiful that you created for us and all the blessings and gifts that you bestow on us daily. Fill our hearts with wonder and awe for your bounty, your glory and your magnificence. Strengthen our faith and love until we turn to you more out of love than of want for anything.

Copyright 2014 Deborah Shelby