Homily of 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
First Reading: Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15; Second Reading: Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; Gospel: John 6:24-35
Our world today is a paradox of plenty and poverty. Despite the abundance of natural resources and technological advancements, millions of people still grapple with severe hunger. Many of them are constantly searching for fulfillment through diverse means. Sometimes, they seek immediate satisfaction by chasing material possessions, career achievements, and social status. Some may even stage a revolution due to hunger and bite the hand that feeds them. They usually justify their actions with the saying, “A hungry man is an angry man.” However, they mistake these material possessions and fleeting pleasures for lasting satisfaction.
Unfortunately, despite their relentless pursuits, they still feel empty and dissatisfied, much like the Israelites who yearned for bread in the desert. This existential hunger or craving for immediate satisfaction has plagued humanity for centuries. Join me as we reflect on the profound mystery of the bread of life, the ultimate source of eternal satisfaction.
The Quest for Immediate Satisfaction
As humans, we are composite beings made up of body and soul. These essential aspects of humanity are always in need of satisfaction. The food of the body is physical (bread, meat, water, etc.). When we are hungry, we become weak and tired. Even after eating, we are not fully satisfied but still become thirsty. The food for the soul is spiritual: the Holy Eucharist (John 6:51) and the Word of God (John 6:63).
In the first reading, we see the Israelites grappling with their form of existential hunger due to impatience and lack of faith. They murmured and revolted against Moses in the wilderness and despised God due to their hunger for physical food. They quickly forgot all the great things that God had done for them. However, God proved to be a great provider by feeding them with manna and quail from heaven, despite their grumbling.
The Origin of Manna and Quail in the Desert
Interestingly, the manna and quail the Israelites ate in the desert did not actually fall directly from heaven. Rather, they were natural products of that region, but their abundance in that vicinity at that period was God’s miraculous deeds. The manna came naturally from the tamarisk trees. When insects stung on the trees, viscous substances would exude from them. When they fall on the floor, they harden into sweet wafer-like (flakes) substances but melt again when the sun grows strong. They had to be collected early in the morning.
On the other hand, the quails were migratory birds that left Africa for Europe during spring, flying over the Sinai peninsula. They usually pass over the Sinai desert for 6 months every year and return in autumn by the same route. After a long flight over the sea, they would be exhausted and could be easily captured when they alighted in Sinai. Evening was the best time to catch them as they settled down to rest.
Jesus is the True Bread of Life from Heaven
In the gospel reading, after Jesus had performed the miracle of the multiplication of bread, many people started following Him. Consequently, He introduces them to the true bread of life for their eternal satisfaction. He says to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Certainly, Jesus Christ is the “Bread of Life” that satisfies us in ways that material food cannot. His love motivates us and gives us the strength or grace to do the will of God.
Just as Christ’s food is to do the will of His Father, our spiritual nourishment comes from being in communion with Him (John 4:34). Our spiritual well-being should be our ultimate pursuit. While physical sustenance like food, clothing, and shelter is essential for human survival, it alone cannot fulfill our deepest spiritual needs. This does not negate the importance of these basic necessities, but they should never overshadow our spiritual growth.
What is our Motive for Seeking Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life?
The crowds in today’s gospel were not truly seeking Jesus Christ, but rather for signs and wonders. They quickly forgot Jesus’ miracles, focused on material food, and never cared to know Him or listen to His teachings. Many people today flock to churches, adoration services, and vigils, not out of genuine faith to know Christ. But they are in search of solutions to their material problems. Once their problems are solved, they run away and will not pray to God again.
There is nothing wrong with seeking God when we are in need; He can supply them in Christ (Philippians 4:19). But we need to ask ourselves these pertinent questions: Are we truly seeking Jesus Christ to have a good relationship with Him? Are we merely looking for Him to quickly solve our immediate problems and running away once our prayers are answered? Are we always moving from one church to another, from one pastor to another, or from one relationship to another in search of solutions?
The Problems Associated with Excessive Desire for Material Possessions
The excessive desire for material possessions can lead to depression, unhappiness, financial stress, and societal inequality. Focusing too much on acquiring wealth can hinder personal growth and damage relationships. Unfortunately, so many people seek relationships for different purposes. Some cunningly enter into it to satisfy their immediate needs. They may pretend to be nice to you in order to spy or get something tangible from you. Once they get what they are looking for, they run away.
When we pay too much attention to material things, we tend to forget the goodness of God in the past. Also, we may sometimes, out of selfish interests, overlook or forget the sacrifices and kindness that others have shown us. Consequently, rather than counting our blessings, we might end up counting our problems and blaming God or others for our misfortunes. Or we may begin to compare the kindness someone showed us in the past with the kindness we are currently receiving from another person. Nevertheless, true faith requires gratitude, honesty, patience, and trust in God’s timing, even when our immediate needs are not met.
The Spiritual Food: Eucharist and Word of God
Jesus Christ is the Word of God (Revelation 19:13) and is ever present in the Holy Eucharist, whole and entire. He is the bread of life that gives us true nourishment and satisfaction (John 6:51). That is why He told the Jews, “Do not labour for the food that perishes. But for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on Him has God the Father set His seal” (John 6:27). Hence, the good news is that the key to unlocking the power to do God’s will is eating the spiritual food—the Holy Eucharist and the Word of God.
However, to receive sufficient grace, we should genuinely repent of our sins by going to sacramental confession frequently (1 Corinthians 11:27–30). This is the prerequisite to gaining divine energy. Of course, this spiritual food nourishes our souls and transforms us, enabling us to live lives that reflect Christ’s love and compassion.
A Call to Renew Our Minds and Spirits
In the second reading, St. Paul urges us not to live aimless lives without purpose but to renew our minds through a spiritual revolution. Our bodies are the temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19), so, when Christ comes into us through the Holy Eucharist and His Word, He detoxifies our spirit from evil. The cleansing of the Temple by Jesus Christ lends credence to this divine encounter (John 2:13-22).
This divine encounter and renewal allow us to receive life and become what we eat—having Christ-like character. As we partake in the Holy Eucharist and read God’s Words, let us embody the love, compassion, and righteousness of Christ in our daily lives
Conclusion
In our quest for immediate satisfaction, we often overlook the deeper, spiritual nourishment that only Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, can provide. When we focus too much on material things, we tend to forget the goodness of God in the past. Our attention will then be only on our problems instead of our blessings and thus blame God or people for our misfortunes. While physical sustenance is essential, it cannot fulfill our deepest spiritual needs.
Dearly beloved, true fulfillment comes from a genuine relationship with Christ, through the Holy Eucharist and the Word of God. Therefore, let us renew our minds and spirits, and not always seeking for material solutions. But let us always seek the eternal satisfaction that only comes from living in communion with God. In doing so, we can embody His love and compassion, finding true nourishment and purpose in our lives.
Prayer:
I pray that, through the Holy Eucharist and the Word of God, you may find true satisfaction in Christ, the Bread of Life. May the Holy Spirit strengthen your faith and renew your spirit to embody the love of God. At the end of your earthly life, may you gain eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Peace of Christ be with you.
Rev. Fr. Ben Okala, C.S.Sp.
