The work of God, that you believe in the one He sent

Continuing the story of John 6, Jesus now challenges the crowd to learn to look deeper at the event they have just experienced.

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It is not enough that they have been satiated physically. No one lives by bread alone. Jesus wants them to develop their faith, to be strengthened spiritually as well. And not in any abstract way. To believe is to be drawn to a personal relationship with Jesus, the one sent by God, so that all may have life and have it to the full (Jn 10:10).

The miracle or the “sign” of the multiplication of the loaves now points to this real challenge. The crowd that has been fed needs to look further and ask, “What is the meaning of this event?” Is this simply a matter of having someone who could produce more bread? Jesus perceives it as he says: “You are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (v 26).

Lord Jesus, grant us the desire to go beyond our material pursuits toward a more profound union with you, the source of meaning and the giver of life.

First Reading - Acts 6:8-15