Reflection: John 6:44-51

Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter – John 6:44-51

Today, we are reminded that it is not we who find Jesus. John writes: God, the Father, will draw us to God’s Self! God always comes to us first, long before we even think of coming to God. God has been with us always, perhaps even before we were in the womb. And, it is God who continually searches for us and finds us when we have wandered off.

De you remember a time in your life when you truly experienced being found by God, or by Jesus? What was happening in your life at this time? What was this experience like? Was it peaceful, joyful or unsettling? Or did you experience a variety of emotions and thoughts?

Jesus tells us that He alone is the bread of life. Yes, we can eat manna or bread. However, before long, once again we are hungry. “Earthly” food does not truly satisfy our hunger. Take a moment and ask yourself: what is your experience when you receive the bread of life? Do you simply consume it without thought or prayer? Or do you understand and believe that in that very moment, we truly are receiving Jesus, our Lord and God? Do you experience that moment as holy and sacred? Or is it something you mindlessly do?

Jesus came to earth for us! And Jesus died for us, for you and for me, that we truly might live! Jesus gave us the sacrament of his body and blood to sustain and grace us. Today, may we take a few moments and sit with the gift that Jesus gives us in the Eucharist. When we receive the bread and the wine, we are receiving Jesus! Do we experience Jesus’ presence within us at that moment? I pray we do!