My reflection today was on the gospel reading immediately following the miracle of Jesus walking on the water (John 6:16-21). The crowds who had just witnessed the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes (John 6:1-15) were not privy to this other miracle. So they wondered at how Jesus got to the other side when they didn’t see Him get into the boat with the disciples (John 6:22-29). One would think that seeking Jesus is something to be praised and desired. Yet, Jesus Himself chastised the crowds who sought Him out, because they had a wrong idea of who He is. Their focus was on the earthly and temporal whereas Jesus was inviting them to move their attention to the heavenly and eternal.
He told them
to work for food that does not perish, but for food that endures for eternal
life. Some began to believe. They asked, “What can we do to
accomplish the works of God?” They recognized that
this effort to work for food that endures for eternal life is a work of God. These people were quite familiar with the Book
of Genesis, and the “work of God” in the seven days of creation, and then
resting after the seventh day. Working
for God would not be an easy calling!
So, why do
we go looking for Jesus? Are we after
the bread of daily life, the cures of our many personal illnesses or those of
our dear family members and friends? Are
we looking for Jesus because we want to live a comfortable life with no
personal or familial sufferings or challenges? Or are we looking for Jesus so that we can
accomplish the works of God? Jesus Himself
tells us what the most important work of God is: “that
you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6:29)
Believing
that Jesus is the Son of God is hard work! Believing in the teaching of Jesus is hard
work! Following Jesus to the Cross is
hard work! Living the life of the
Resurrected Jesus is hard work! But
because it’s a work of God, it’s not all up to us.
As I reflected
on the gospel, I asked myself whether I focus on what is temporary, fleeting,
superficial, or on what is eternal, lasting, deep. Is my relationship with Jesus merely one where
I seek Him to perform miracles? Or is it
one where I absolutely believe who Jesus is, the one sent by God? And does this believing translate itself into
action where I become the presence of Jesus in the world today? During these pandemic times, there is
undoubtedly a temptation to seek Jesus the miracle worker. But as we celebrate this Easter season, we are
called to embrace Jesus, the real Bread of Life and to be committed as
disciples to the vision of life He proposes. A vision of life that calls us to move away
from self-interest towards fashioning a kingdom where the least among us are
cared for and respected.
Jesus
himself has fed us with the Bread of Heaven. He strengthens us with his Word. He accompanies us in our journey. He intervenes when we try to walk away. We’re not alone. What echoes in our minds and hearts is Jesus’
last words to us, “And behold, I am with you always, until
the end of the age.”
(Mathew 28:20)
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