The crowd in today’s gospel is asking Jesus for a sign. They need to see works of wonders for them to believe in him. We are like the crowds in today’s gospel. We want more than there is. We are surrounded by signs of God’s love but we fail to recognize it. We look for more. We yearn for more! Like the crowds, we are not satisfied with what we have. Jesus feeds them but they desire more. Friends, if what Jesus provides can’t satisfy us, this is dangerous because we will seek it in vain elsewhere. Friends, learn to be satisfied with what you have, for someone else somewhere is happy with less than what you have.

Jesus in today’s gospel introduces Himself as the Bread of Life-one who can fully satiate our innermost and deepest desires. “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall never be hungry, and whoever believes in me shall never be thirsty.” He is more than what the world can offer. If we have Him, we have all we need. Whoever has Jesus lacks nothing. Friends, take note of this: satisfaction is not always the fulfillment of what you want. It is the realization of how blessed you are for what you have. Friends, you are blessed with much, just learn to appreciate it. Look for your blessings, not for what is missing.

To conclude, Jesus came as “Manna” from heaven to to give us life. Come to Him and you will never be hungry and thirsty again. Friends the message of today’s gospel is very clear. It is Jesus you seek when you desire happiness. My dear kababayan, we cannot find satisfaction in our vices. Alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, a good salary, trips, big houses, fancy cars, status, connections, etc. cannot quench our desires. As St. Augustine says: “My heart is restless until it finds its rest in You.” And today’s gospel reading is a beautiful reminder that the bread we should search for is JESUS. Let us beg the Lord to give us the grace, not trade off the values of God’s Kingdom in lieu of worldly manna. God alone suffices. God is enough.

Blessings
Fr. Jhack