T hey were searching for him, not to follow, not to be “fed” more deeply, but just to have more bread, just to see another miracle. But what are we looking for in these days of Easter?  Perhaps it begins to satisfy a deep hunger that we have come to recognize and want to follow no matter what the cost. What are we looking for, today?

Third Monday of Easter

Acts 6: 8-15

Psalm 119: 23-24, 26-27, 29-30

J ohn 6 :22-29 On the next day the people who remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. (23) However, boats from Tiber'i-as came near the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks. (24) So when the people saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Caper'na-um, seeking Jesus. (25) When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" (26) Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. (27) Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." (28) Then they said to (29) Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

Meditation by Rev. Rich Gabuzda

W hat Are You Looking for?

Jesus begins his teaching on “the bread of life” with a statement which both propels the dialogue that follows and that challenges us today:  “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.”

The many verses of this teaching wind their way through Jesus’ statements about being the “bread of life” and “eternal life.”  In his dialogue with them, Jesus attempts to take the crowd progressiv ely deeper into the mystery; some will follow, some will walk away.  Perhaps it all goes back to that initial statement, which begs the question, “What are you looking for?” 

In observing the miracle of the loaves, they failed to “see the sign,” that is, they failed to look deeply into the miracle and come to believe in the person of Jesus.  They were searching for him, not to follow, not to be “fed” more deeply, but just to have more bread, just to see another miracle. 

The days of the Easter season invite us to go deep into the mystery of Jesus, of his Eucharistic presence, of the demands of following him.  But what are we looking for in these days of Easter?  Perhaps our faith offers thin consolation in troubled times.  Perhaps it begins to satisfy a deep hunger that we have come to recognize and want to follow no matter what the cost. What are we looking for, today?

Lord, Jesus, give us the courage to resist the superficial consolations of faith and to hunger deeply for you, no matter what the cost!

Supplementary Reading

The Little Foxes

Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…  --Song of Solomon 2:15

M ost often, it's not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it's the small things. I've heard it said, "Tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage, but in reality, termites do more damage." That's what today's scripture is saying. Most of the time, we're not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare. It's the little inconveniences like not being able to find your car keys in the morning, or being in a hurry and getting behind a driver going 40 in a 60-mile-an-hour zone. It's the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.

The way we handle the little things will determine what kind of life we will live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines. Make the decision today to "catch" those foxes by choosing to think on the right things. Let His Word bring new life to your emotions so you can move forward in the life of peace and joy the way God intends.

Heavenly Father, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to focus on Your Word and not allow the little foxes to steal my joy and peace. Keep me close to You and guide me in the way I should go. In Jesus' Name. Amen. (Joel & Victoria Osteen)