Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Jesus is scarcely sought after for his own sake.” With these words, St. Augustine comments on today’s gospel. Jesus says to the crowds who seek him: “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.” This mismatch is a characteristic feature of John’s Gospel. In contrast to the Synoptic Gospels in which Christ performs miracles, John calls Jesus’ mighty deeds signs – and there is a difference. Here in the opening of the Bread of Life Discourse when people seek the fringe benefits of a miracle they miss the sign that reveals God in Christ. As He goes on to astound them, saying as the unique Savior, “I am the bread of life.”
“Jesus is scarcely sought after for his own sake.” St. Augustine’s words are no exaggeration, even in our own day. One thinks of how politicians are currently looking for an endorsement from religious organizations. Jesus is looking for the people to relate to Him in a different way than for utilitarian needs. It’s like friendship. The Wisdom tradition in Scripture speaks endlessly about those who are true friends and who are not. There are those who are friends when the relationship profits them – think of young men who pine after girls that never realize the romantic interest; they end up doing the most annoying favors for these ladies while they are taken for granted. Then there are fair weather friends who are with you in good times but never for you in trial. True friends are those who are with you through thick and thin, those who affirm you but also tell you the hard facts, and ultimately those who love you for who you are and not what you do.
The highest compliment of the Old Testament was to be called “the friend of God” as Moses was. It’s hard to imagine the level of mutuality of a creature with his Creator, and yet their relationship was honored with the title. And yet Jesus not only condescends in His divinity to make friends with humanity, but He is even willing to be used by them. With that said, He wants us to use Him so as to improve our relationship – so that by means of Him we may share in the divine life for eternity. He says not only is He giving bread from heaven, but “I am the bread of life.” So, He does not symbolize humanity’s friendship with God, He is the unique and necessary means to it.
Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections