They shall all be taught by God

Liturgical readings


1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34
Ephesians 4:30 - 5:2
John 6:41-51

"They shall all be taught by God."


Jesus made a claim before His own people, saying: "I am the bread that came down from heaven." But the people doubted this teaching because they knew that Jesus was the son of Joseph. Their doubts made them murmur. What did the Lord do with their reaction? He led them to understand the teaching in the context of His relationship with the Father. Jesus wanted the people to discern and discover His divinity - hidden in His humanity. Yes, He was the son of Joseph, but there was more to just that. The people only understood God as the One who fed their ancestors with manna from heaven. They were not aware of the possibility that this God, who gave their ancestors manna in the desert, can be incarnated in human flesh. God can 'come down from heaven' in Jesus and be 'bread' for them. Bread that comforts and gives life.


It has been two millenia since the time of Jesus (ca. 33 A.D.). Catholics today are very privileged to be spared from the doubts and confusion which the people in biblical times experienced. We can understand the gospel now from the Church's definition of the mystery of the Incarnation and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Today is a call to be grateful for all those who have gone before us - especially the early Church Fathers and the doctors of the Church. These ancestors of our faith have literally suffered to give succeeding generations, and our own generation a clearer and better understanding of the mystery and Person of Jesus. For this great gift, we have the responsibility to help others also see how God in Jesus is truly the Bread of Life that came down from heaven: Bread that nourishes our souls with the faith, hope and love that will see us through the vicissitudes of life.


God has given us many gifts, many blessings. He has given us the gift of freedom and the treasure of time. When we use these treasures not only for producing perishable food, but also for the Bread and Life that matters, then we can help make Christ's presence and the hope He gives come alive in our homes and our work. The key to our Christian life is found in the words of Jesus Himself: "No one can come to Him unless the Father draws him." Jesus' present in the Scriptures, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and in our Christian communities, draws us to the truth about God and His love for us. It is this truth of God's love that gives our lives direction and meaning. It is this truth that gives us our identity before others who do not know Christ. It is this truth that integrates everything in our life as a people called to be one family in God.