In today’s Gospel* Jesus says, “I am the living bread. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. The living father sent me.” I am moved by the immediate and also timeless intimacy and gratuity of these words. Now and forever. I am in awe at how they so simply state the activity of divine grace flooding each moment. Love, mercy, guidance, wisdom, strength, creativity, and every other quality and divine gift that can be named, is available through eating the living bread of Jesus.
There is dynamic oneness that happens, BEING that is defined by connecting, indwelling, abiding, mutual self-giving. These are “-ing” words, action words. I need to be actively in-the-moment feeding on the living bread from moment to moment. When I’m hurt or angry, exultant or brave. In every circumstance I need the goodness of the living bread to sustain and refresh my life. And I need this “-ing” awareness to deepen my faith in the active, ever-present One who is fully engaged in all that is, however hidden.
The divine-human One reveals a life of nourishing oneness and offers it to us. As time goes by, I am increasingly aware of Jesus noting his followers are living in the world but are not of the world. I need all the gifts of oneness to make that truth grow in me and shine in my life. I need to be feeding on his heart and mind, his life and teachings, and his resurrection reality of eternal living bread.
Unending hope arises. Jesus declared, in shocking language, “Eat me!” Now. A command and an assurance. Take me in completely. The one who takes this feeding seriously will live because of me. Now. And forever.
--Ann Dean, Dayspring Church
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In Henri Nouwen’s book The Life of the Beloved, there is a chapter entitled “Given.” He writes about putting our brokenness under the blessing and living for others, becoming bread for the world. He says this is our greatest fulfillment. “Don’t you think that our desire to eat together is an expression of our even deeper desire to be food for one another?” (p.89) You may find it valuable this week to reflect on your deepest desires.
