Fr Kurgan offers this reflection for today (Thursday, April 30, 2020) on the gospel (John 6:44-51) and is very timely for this new program:
Today we hear part of the Bread of Life Discourse in the Gospel of John. Jesus delivers this message within the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus states, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” Although we do not see in the Gospel of John, Christ at the Eucharistic table blessing the bread at the Last Supper as we see in the Synoptic Gospels, today we hear that Christ Himself is the bread that comes down from heaven. It reminds us of the hoarfrost that fell from the sky and fed those who were hungry and had no food. Christ has physically come to us, for us, to nourish us in a time of famine.
Although at this time we cannot consume the Eucharist, as we desire, we can partake of the Eucharist through desire. The absence of the Eucharist in our daily or weekly lives can and should unite us to our brothers and sisters around the world that have historically not had the privilege of receiving the Body and the Blood of Christ on a regular basis. The desire of the faithful to receive Christ in the Eucharist is a powerful way to unite ourselves to our Savior. Imagine the great joy we will feel when we again can approach the altar of God and receive our Savior in the Eucharistic Meal! We must continue to look forward to, and long for that day.
Peace,
Fr. John Kurgan