17 April, 2024 | Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

 Reading 1: Acts 8:1b-8

Gospel Jn 6:35-40

Jesus said to the crowds,

"I am the bread of life;

whoever comes to me will never hunger,

and whoever believes in me will never thirst.

But I told you that although you have seen me,

you do not believe.

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,

and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,

because I came down from heaven not to do my own will

but the will of the one who sent me.

And this is the will of the one who sent me,

that I should not lose anything of what he gave me,

but that I should raise it on the last day.

For this is the will of my Father,

that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him

may have eternal life,

and I shall raise him on the last day."

Reflections:

Jesus says to the crowd and to us today: "I am the bread of life".  The Eucharist is the best gift that Jesus has given to us believers. Jesus says: "I am the bread of life". God rained manna from heaven for the people of Israel to satisfy their hunger. It was an earthly food and those who ate it died. The Eucharist, the bread that Jesus gives us daily in the Mass, is a rich food that nourishes our soul, mind and body. St John wants to emphasise the need to live the Eucharist and to practice self-giving in our daily lives. When I am very close to Jesus, He helps me to break down my pride and ego. Jesus never lures/forces anyone to come to him, but invites you and me and waits with open arms to welcome us into his heart. 

Action: 

Participate in the Holy Eucharist with a pure heart.

Reflections: contributed by Celine Sebastian FSP

Voiceover: Sharlene Fernandes