Daily Gospel Reflection for April 21, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 6:1-15

I wonder if the crowds following Jesus expect Him to feed them. It seems unlikely; they were there because His words were compelling. There was vibrant life in the words He was giving them and they seemed quite willing to forgo regular sustenance in order to hear His words and to be close to Him. What a generous gift to be given food when it is not expected!

We have access to scripture nearly everywhere these days. It is not hard for us to hear about the Word within the words of our sacred texts through technology. God’s word to us gives life; it compels us to want to be closer to Him. How fitting that at Mass we not only get to hear the words of scripture, but we also receive our spiritual sustenance in the same liturgy! Jesus wants us to remain with Him and not be sent away without food for the journey.

In our Eucharistic liturgies, we both hear Jesus and are given food, just like the crowds. But there is a difference - the food we receive is Jesus Himself so that when we depart from our faith community to go into the world, we can remain as close to Jesus as we do at Mass. We are renewed together in our identity as God’s people and are ourselves sent out to be that life-giving bread to others: we are the body of Christ. I wonder when I might be a surprise gift of spiritual food for another!

Ponder:

Holiness is what happens when we take up the challenge to love others the way God has loved us. As a member of Christ’s body, how can I feed others both physically and spiritually today?

Pray:

Lord, we humbly ask You to dispose our hearts to offer You worthy praise through our words and actions. Give us this day our daily bread and help us to be witnesses to the life You give us.

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God’s word to us gives life. How fitting that at Mass we not only get to hear the words of scripture, but we also receive our spiritual sustenance in the same liturgy! #DailyGospel

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