Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
When Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst,” he is not referring to physical hunger and thirst. Rather, he is referring to spiritual hunger—the hunger of the heart for meaning and understanding, the longing for companionship and for someone to love us. All of this Jesus offers to us. Every person searches for truth and relationship; both are essential to the human experience. Oftentimes, we fall into bad relationships because we so desperately hunger for love, and we pursue false teachings in our thirst for truth. In the end, these always leave us unsatisfied.
Jesus offers us true satisfaction. His way is challenging because he calls us to leave our false teachings and desperate relationships behind in order to make room for relationship with him and to receive the truth that he offers. It is difficult to accept what he offers because we are afraid to let go of the things we already have even though they do not bring us peace. Even when we have left them behind we often long to have them again, but Jesus will satisfy our desires if we remain true to him. In him is the fullness of truth, and in relationship with him we receive the greatest love that can be received.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections