March 27, 2007

Read John 6:35-59

Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. (v. 50) EAT THIS BREAD For those of us who grew up going to church, this passage probably doesn’t seem too strange. But if you had never heard of Jesus, it might be very strange indeed. Jesus says he is the bread of life – not plain manna, but something much more. Maybe more like cinnamon bread, my favorite. Wow! How can someone be bread? We don’t really understand this, nor do we understand just how Jesus comes to us each time we take Communion and receive his body and blood. Instead of trying to logically figure that out, we should focus on the fact that he is bread for us, much more important than physical food. Even though we have nothing to bring to him and spend much of our time thinking of ways to hide our real selves from him, he gave all to us. He is essential to us, like food is to our physical bodies. So instead of blocking off our lives – a part for work, a part for family, a part for friends, a part for church, a part for fun – this Lent, let us give our whole selves to Jesus first. Let us do that in thankfulness to him for giving himself to us that we may live and never die. We are already on the road to eternal life. Our time on earth will be short and difficult compared to eternity with Jesus. But let’s enjoy our tasty earthly bread here and let it remind us of our Bread of Life always. Jesus, help us to accept your teachings that we don’t really understand. Help us to explain them to others who do not yet know you. Help us also to care for those here in our midst who need earthly bread for their physical bodies. In Jesus’ name we pray. Marsha Meili

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