Monday, April 07, 2008

Food For Thought

The next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea, saw that there was no other ship there but one, and that Jesus had not entered into the ship with his disciples, but that his disciples were gone away alone. But other ships came in from Tiberias; nigh unto the place where they had eaten the bread, the Lord giving thanks. When therefore the multitude saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they took shipping, and came to Capharnaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him: Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, you seek me, not because you have seen miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son of man will give you. For him hath God, the Father, sealed. They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered, and said to them: This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent.
John 6:22-29 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Reflection

Dear Father we have to wonder if we are exactly like these people who had just finished eating from the miraculous multiplication of loaves and fishes. These people went in search of him and knew by what they saw how Divine Jesus really was. In Jesus' question though, he wants to know if they are seeking him because of these miracles, or is it because they have been fed and their stomachs are the reason they search for him. Ever notice how in the food industry, such as restaurants, food stores, many things are upsized or down sized to pay a higher price. Or how there is more emphasis on fast food meals. More or less heat it up and off you go. Food is important in order to allow the body to function, but we have grown in proportion to the products that are pre-made. Even our bodies reflect the chemicals that we ingest. Jesus provided them with a fast food take out, and it seems that they want more of this so they don't have the work that is entailed to make a meal. We've gotten like this haven't we? Jesus questions us too, do we seek him only for the fact that he provides us with miracles or do we seek Him so we will be part of Him because we believe in Him and you dear Father. I believe in Jesus, because he is who he is and not for what he can give. The son of God who came to unite us with him.

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