Today
Jesus reveals himself as the bread of life. At first sight, the
definition He makes of himself is rather curious and paradoxical;
but, when we dig into it a little further, we realize that with these
words the meaning of his mission is clearly stated: to save man and
give him a new life. «And the will of him who sent me is that I
lose nothing of what He has given me, but instead that I raise it up
on the last day» (Jn 6:39). This is why, to perpetuate
his saving act of giving himself for us and his presence among us,
Jesus Christ has become spiritual aliment for us.
God
makes it possible for us to believe in Jesus Christ and get close to
him: «Yet, all that the Father gives me will come to me, and
whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away. For I have come from
heaven, not to do my own will but the will of the One who sent me»
(Jn 6:37-38). Therefore, with our faith, let us get close to
him who has decided to be our nourishment, our light and our life
for, as Ignatius of Antioch affirms «faith is the principle of
true life».
Jesus Christ invites us
to follow him, to nourish ourselves through him, for this is what it
means to see him and believe in him. At the same time, He shows us
how to abide by his Father's will, just as He does. When teaching his
disciples the prayer of the sons of God, the Lord's Prayer, He put
together these two petitions: «Your will be done, on earth as
in heaven. Give us today the bread that we need». This refers
not only to the material bread, but to Himself, as the bread of
eternal life whom, day after day, we have to remain very close to
with the profound cohesion the Holy Spirit provides us with.
