It is on 16th April 2024. We reflect on Acts 7:51-8:1; and the Gospel from John 6:30-35.
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn.6:35).
We all have a hunger for something. Each one of us knows our hunger. Beyond the physical and emotional hunger, there is spiritual hunger in each one of us. God alone satisfies the hunger and thirst of the spirit. Since we spend a lifetime satisfying bodily hunger, we overlook suppress or ignore spiritual hunger. Jesus promises us to take care of it if we come closer to Him. Coming to Jesus totally not in pieces and moments. The only visible sign Jesus has given to humanity through the Church is the Holy Eucharist.
The quest of the human spirit is finding its contentment in God. The hunger we reflect is found in St. Stephen who did not give up until he was satisfied in the Lord. Satisfaction comes by surrendering ourselves to Jesus for a noble cause. When God satisfies us, God wants us to give our lives to God and God’s people. As St. Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” (Acts. 7:59) so God’s Spirit kindled the spirit of Saul. The prayer of forgiveness from Stephen brought many near Christ including Saul.
Once we have tasted the bread of life, Jesus himself, we will no longer live for ourselves but for the welfare of the suffering humanity around us. In satisfying the hunger of others, we feel contented always. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt.5:6)
The Psalm echoes the spirit of St. Stephen, “Into your hands, O Lord, I entrust my spirit.
Meeting the person of Jesus whether as God or as Saviour, we all can be satisfied with the hunger of our souls. Jesus is the Bread of Life. God the Father never forgets us to feed us. Without conditions and prejudice, we all have enough to satisfy in the Bread of Life. Our charitable actions also can quench and satisfy the hunger of those in need of Jesus.
Let our prayer be ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ (Jn.6:34). May our hunger be satisfied in Jesus as we satisfy the hunger of the others. Have a lovely day. God bless you.