The Gospel of Saint John described not the miracles of Jesus but the signs. In our 21st century lingo, miracles are unexpected events that science cannot explain, which apparently come from God. Biblical authors would certainly be surprised by that definition since they never heard of our kind of science, and they believed that every good gift comes from God.
Signs are something else; and, once again, our 21st century scholars are clueless about signs. Saint John’s Gospel opens with “the book of signs,” the first eleven chapters, but these are never proofs of Jesus’ authority. They mean nothing to those who will not take Jesus at his word.
For us, however, they are literally sacraments. As I recall, the Baltimore Catechism definition of sacraments was “outward signs instituted by God to give grace.”
[The Baltimore Catechism had great questions. Unfortunately, it also assigned answers to these marvelous, mysterious questions. They might have reflected the truth more realistically if each answer had ended with ….]
The sign under discussion in John 6 is his feeding a large crowd with five barley loaves and two fish. The Eucharist is rooted in the story of God’s providing his chosen people with manna in the wilderness. As everyone ate daily for forty years and had their fill of bread, so do Christians enjoy the presence of Jesus daily and hourly and at every minute.
Clearly, this presentation reflects the practical experience of the first century Church. They are celebrating the Eucharist at least weekly, and finding astonishing nourishment in it. Food does that. You can eat periodically during the day and go on about your business between times. Christians can eat the Bread of Life once a week and feel deeply satisfied through the next six days, so long as they continue to reflect on its blessings. “O taste and see the goodness of the Lord!”
But many Catholic enjoy the blessing of daily Eucharist. When I look out over a weekday morning congregation, I feel so happy to be Catholic. Although the congregation is largely retired, senior citizens, I know they represent the longing of the entire church to attend this daily liturgy.
In today’s gospel the Jews asked Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” They are asking, of course, that Jesus give his life for their salvation; that he take up his cross and walk to Calvary. That he is eager to do. For you and me, for no greater love has anyone than he lay down his life for his friends.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.