Bread of Life – Reflection on John 6:41-51
I believe the bread of life from heaven comes “down” constantly in communion moments while helping us and others rise “up” toward heaven. If you are an ordained or lay minister, there is an indescribable beauty in witnessing Jesus’s love reflected in the eyes and expressions of those receiving. Likewise, people receiving can see the belief of what you are doing in your eyes. It is a very humbling experience. Do not hesitate to respond if you feel invited by God to serve in a more public ministry, as the world needs to know the love in your faith-filled actions.
The Communion of the Apostles, James Tissot (high resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 6:41-51 – Scripture*
41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 6:41-51 Lectio – Bread of Life.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen.
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of John 6.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Bread of Life
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.