The Bread of Life

 

Jesus said to the crowds, 

“I am the bread of life; 

whoever comes to me 

will never hunger, 

and whoever believes in me 

will never thirst. 

(John 6:35)

John 6:35-40 is part of Jesus' discourse on being the Bread of Life, a central theme in Christian theology. This passage occurs after Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, an event that set the stage for His deeper teaching on spiritual nourishment.

Historical Context

This passage is set in first-century Judea, a time when Jewish people were under Roman rule and deeply rooted in their religious traditions. Bread was a staple food, and the concept of manna—the miraculous food provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness—was well known. Jesus' claim to be the true Bread from Heaven would have resonated with His audience but also challenged their understanding of divine provision.

Background

Jewish Expectations: Many Jews expected a Messianic figure who would provide for their physical needs, much like Moses did with manna in the desert. Jesus, however, shifts the focus from physical sustenance to spiritual fulfillment.

Eucharistic Significance: Early Christians later saw this passage as foundational for the doctrine of the Eucharist, where Jesus offers Himself as the source of eternal life.

Divine Will: Jesus emphasizes that He came to do the will of the Father, ensuring that those who believe in Him will have eternal life and be raised up on the last day.

This passage is a profound invitation to faith and trust in Jesus as the source of spiritual life. 

Learning Lessons:

John 6:35-40 offers profound lessons about faith, spiritual nourishment, and God's unwavering promise. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Jesus as the Bread of Life - Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life", emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from Him—not just physical sustenance but spiritual nourishment. This teaches us to seek lasting satisfaction in our relationship with Christ rather than temporary worldly pleasures.

2. The Call to Faith - Jesus assures that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst. This highlights the importance of faith and trust in Him. Believing in Jesus means relying on Him for guidance, strength, and eternal life.

3. God's Sovereign Will - Jesus states that He came not to do His own will, but the will of the Father. This reminds us that God’s plan is perfect, and those who trust in Him will never be abandoned. It reassures us that salvation is secure for those who believe.

4. Eternal Security - Jesus promises that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life and be raised up on the last day. This is a powerful assurance that God’s love is steadfast, and our faith in Christ leads to everlasting life.

5. Invitation to Come to Jesus - This passage is an open invitation to turn to Jesus in times of doubt, struggle, or spiritual hunger. He welcomes all who seek Him and never rejects anyone who comes in faith.

Upon the hills where hunger cried, 

He broke the loaves, the fish supplied. 

But deeper still, He spoke with grace, 

A gift that time cannot erase.

"I am the Bread," the Savior said, 

"Come unto Me and you’ll be fed. 

No thirst shall linger, nor hope decay, 

For life eternal lights the way."

The Father's will, so firm, so bright, 

Calls every soul into His light. 

No heart forsaken, none turned away, 

All raised in love on the final day.

So trust in Him, come near, believe, 

Let anxious hearts in mercy breathe. 

For Bread He gives is life anew— 

A feast of grace for me and you.

Lord Jesus, Bread of Life, You promise that whoever comes to You shall never hunger, and whoever believes in You shall never thirst. I come before You, seeking the nourishment only You can give. Fill my soul with Your presence, satisfy my heart with Your truth, strengthen my faith so I may trust in You always. Amen

Father, You sent Your Son not to reject but to embrace, not to condemn but to redeem. Let me rest in the assurance of Your love, knowing that I am held in Your mercy forever. Raise me up on the last day, O Lord, and lead me to the eternal feast You have prepared. May my life reflect Your grace, and may I never turn away from the bread that gives life everlasting. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE

John 6:22-59

Gospel Acclamation

Everyone who believes in the Son has eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day, says the Lord.

Gospel | John 6:35-40

35 Jesus said to the crowds, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. 36 But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, 38 because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. 39 And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Bread of Life

 

Jesus said to them, 

“I am the bread of life; 

whoever comes to me 

will never hunger, 

and whoever believes in me 

will never thirst.”

(John 6:35)

Jesus is the Bread of Life. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life. He is the source of eternal life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. It’s not about the physical miracles but about believing in who He is - the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Whoever partakes in the Bread of Life (Jesus) will live forever. This underscores the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

Jesus, the Bread of Life, so pure and true,

Sustains our spirits, makes us anew.

Just as bread gives life to the body's frame,

Jesus feeds our souls, in His holy name.

He is the source of life, eternal and grand,

Offering salvation, to every land.

Those who come to Him, in faith and love,

Will never hunger, in Heaven above.

Not about miracles, physical and seen,

But faith in Jesus, through the veil, serene.

He is the Son of God, the Savior so bright,

Believing in Him, brings us His light.

Partake in the Bread of Life, partake in His grace,

And live forever, in His loving embrace.

This promise of life, eternal and free,

Is the gift of Jesus, for you and for me.

Dear Lord Jesus,

You are the Bread of Life. Just as bread sustains our physical life, you sustain our spiritual life. You are the source of eternal life, and we know that those who come to You will never hunger or thirst spiritually.

We understand that it's not about the physical miracles but about believing in who You are - the Son of God and the Savior of the world. We believe in You, Lord Jesus, and we partake in the Bread of Life that You offer.

We hold onto Your promise that whoever partakes in the Bread of Life will live forever. This underscores the promise of eternal life through You, Lord Jesus.

We thank You for Your love, your sacrifice, and the eternal life that You offer. Help us to live our lives in a way that honors You and guide us on our journey of faith.

In Your holy name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE

John 6:22-59

Gospel Acclamation

I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger.

Gospel | John 6:30-35

30 The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? 31 Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” 32 So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Background:

John 6:30-35 is part of a discourse that takes place after the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. This event occurs near the time of the Passover, a Jewish feast associated with God’s sustenance of Israel in the wilderness.

In this passage, the crowd asks Jesus for a sign, similar to the manna given in the wilderness during Moses’ time. They are essentially asking Jesus to prove He is the Messiah by replicating this miracle.

Jesus responds by making a significant claim: He is the true bread from heaven. He uses the term “I am” (Greek: ejgwv eijmi), which bears the Divine Name, linking Him directly to God1. He explains that unlike the manna that their ancestors ate and still died, He is the living bread that came down from heaven, and whoever eats this bread will live forever.

This discourse is significant because it highlights Jesus’ divine nature and His role as the sustainer of spiritual life. It also underscores the necessity of faith in Jesus for eternal life.

Learning Lessons:

There are several key lessons that we can learn from John 6:30-35:

Jesus is the Bread of Life: The most significant lesson from this passage is that Jesus is the Bread of Life. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life. He is the source of eternal life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually.

Faith in Jesus: Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith in Him. It’s not about the physical miracles, but about believing in who He is - the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Jesus is Greater than Moses: The crowd references the miracle of manna in the wilderness, attributing it to Moses. Jesus corrects them, stating that it was God, not Moses, who provided the manna. Moreover, Jesus Himself is the true Bread from Heaven, surpassing the miracle of manna.

Eternal Life: Unlike their ancestors who ate manna and died, those who partake in the Bread of Life (Jesus) will live forever. This underscores the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

God’s Provision: Just as God provided manna for the Israelites, He provides for our spiritual needs through Jesus. This teaches us to rely on God for our spiritual nourishment.

These lessons remind us of the centrality of Jesus in our spiritual lives and the importance of faith in Him. They also teach us about God’s provision and the promise of eternal life.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Bread of Life

"I am the bread of life. 

Whoever eats this bread will live forever; 

and the bread that I will give is my flesh 

for the life of the world.” 

(John 6:41-48,51)

Jesus cares for us, guiding us beyond the material realm to the spiritual reality of everlasting life. Our spiritual hunger finds fulfillment in Jesus. He is the living bread from heaven, providing eternal sustenance. Sometimes our familiarity with the ordinary blinds us to the extraordinary. We must humbly open our hearts to God’s revelation, even when it challenges our preconceptions. Our faith isn’t solely a human decision; it’s a response to the Father’s work in our hearts. When we hear and learn from God, we come to Jesus.

41 The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” 42 and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; 50 this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. 51 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.” (John 6:41-51)

Lord Jesus, our Guide and Sustainer, beyond the veil of the material, You lead us to the spiritual reality, Where everlasting life awaits, And our hunger finds fulfillment. You are the living bread from heaven, Broken for us, freely given, Nourishing our souls with grace, Satisfying our deepest need. Sometimes, in our familiarity, We miss the extraordinary, Blinded by the ordinary, Yet You call us to see anew. Open our hearts, O Lord, To Your revelation, even when it challenges, For our faith is not solely a human choice, But a response to the Father’s work within. As we listen and learn from God, Draw us ever closer to You, Jesus, The Bread of Life, our eternal sustenance, Our hearts anchored in Your love. Amen.

God’s voice came not in the dramatic elements (earthquake, wind, fire) but in silence. Amid life’s noise, we must listen attentively. God speaks softly. In our struggles, God sustains us. We’re not alone; divine love surrounds us. Even strong individuals face moments of weakness. We, too, can seek God’s strength when we’re weary. We have a role in God’s story. Passing the torch means equipping others for their journey.

4 Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death, saying: “This is enough, O Lord! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5 He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. 6 Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, 7  but the angel of the Lord came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” 8 He got up, ate and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb. (1 Kings 19:4-8)

Gracious God, whose voice transcends the clamor of the world, In the quietude of our hearts, we seek You. Not in the dramatic elements that shake the earth, But in the hush, where Your whisper awaits. Amid life’s cacophony, grant us attentive ears, That we may discern Your soft-spoken words. When struggles weigh upon us, sustain us, O Lord, For we are not alone; Your love envelops us. Even the strong among us face moments of weakness, Their weariness a testament to their humanity. In those weary hours, we turn to You, our Source, Seeking strength and solace in Your boundless grace. We recognize our role within Your grand narrative, As torchbearers passing light from hand to hand. Equip us, Lord, to illuminate the paths of others, Guided by love, purpose, and unwavering faith. Amen. 

Fearing the LORD isn’t about terror but reverence. It’s a deep respect for His holiness and sovereignty. Those who fear Him lack nothing—they find true fulfillment. Even in challenging circumstances, we can choose to focus on God’s goodness and express gratitude. When we turn to Him, He delivers us from anxiety and surrounds us with His protection. Trusting in God’s faithfulness leads to peace. When we take refuge in Him, we discover His provision and faithfulness.

2 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 3 Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 4 Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 5 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 6 Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 7 When the afflicted man called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 8 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. 9  Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9) 

Gracious Father, we come before You with hearts full of reverence, Not trembling in fear, but in awe of Your holiness. You, the Sovereign One, hold the universe in Your hands, And in our surrender, we find true fulfillment. In the midst of life’s storms, we fix our gaze on You, Choosing gratitude over anxiety, hope over despair. When our hearts falter, remind us of Your goodness, And let our praises rise like incense to Your throne. Surround us, O Lord, with Your protective wings, Shielding us from fear, worry, and doubt. As we turn to You, deliver us from the grip of anxiety, And let Your peace settle deep within our souls. Faithful God, we trust in Your unwavering love, For You provide abundantly, even in scarcity. In the secret place of refuge, we find solace, And Your faithfulness becomes our steadfast anchor. May our lives be a testimony to Your grace, Our lips ever declaring Your praise. In reverence and trust, we rest secure, Knowing that You are our portion forevermore. Amen.

We are called to emulate God’s character—His love, compassion, and holiness. Our love should be sacrificial and selfless just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. As believers, we are transformed from darkness to light, bearing fruit that reflects Christ’s nature. We should be mindful of our words, attitudes, and behaviors, seeking to honor God in all we do. Let us shine His truth and love into the world by cultivating love, kindness, and forgiveness, recognizing that our actions impact our relationship with God.

30 Brothers and sisters: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. 5:1 So be imitators of God, as beloved children, 2 and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. (Ephesians 4:30–5:2)

Gracious Father, source of all love, We come before You, seeking guidance from above. May our hearts reflect Your compassion and grace, As we walk in the footsteps of Christ, our saving embrace. In this journey from darkness to light, Transform us, mold us, make us right. May our love be sacrificial, selfless, and true, Just as Jesus loved us and gave Himself for me and you. Help us choose our words with care, Let kindness and forgiveness fill the air. May our attitudes mirror Your holiness, As we seek to honor You in every thought and action, no less. Lord, let our lives be a testament of Your truth, A beacon of hope, a fountain of love, eternal youth. May our deeds impact our relationship with You, As we shine Your light into the world, faithful and true. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Gospel 

II: The Book of Signs

THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE

John 6:41-51

Related Blogs

https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/08/bread-from-heaven.html

https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/08/prayer-for-living-bread.html

First Reading 

III: Stories of the Prophets

FLIGHT TO HOREB

1 Kings 19:1-18

Related Blogs

https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/08/in-silence.html

https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/08/prayer-in-silence.html

Responsorial Psalm 

First Book of Psalms 1-41

THANKSGIVING TO GOD WHO DELIVERS THE JUST

Psalm 34:1-23

Related Blogs

https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/08/fearing-lord.html

https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/08/prayer-of-reverence-and-trust_11.html

Second Reading

IV: Daily Conduct, and Expression of Unity

RULES FOR THE NEW LIFE

Ephesians 4:25-32 / 1-5

Related Blogs

https://guidingthoughtsandinspirations.blogspot.com/2024/08/emulating-light.html

https://on-linewithgod.blogspot.com/2024/08/prayer-of-emulation.html

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Bread of Life

Jesus said to them, 

“I am the bread of life; 

whoever comes to Me will never hunger, 

and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.” 

(John 6:35)

Jesus is the Bread of Life. Just as bread sustains physical life, Jesus sustains spiritual life. He is the source of eternal life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. It’s not about the physical miracles, but about believing in who He is - the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Whoever partakes in the Bread of Life (Jesus) will live forever. This underscores the promise of eternal life through Jesus.

30 The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? 31 Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6:30-35)

Jesus, the Bread of Life, so pure and true, sustains our spirits, makes us anew. Just as bread gives life to the body's frame, Jesus feeds our souls, in His holy name. He is the source of life, eternal and grand, offering salvation, to every land. Those who come to Him, in faith and love, will never hunger, in Heaven above. Not about miracles, physical and seen, But faith in Jesus, through the veil, serene. He is the Son of God, the Savior so bright, believing in Him, brings us His light. Partake in the Bread of Life, partake in His grace, and live forever, in His loving embrace. This promise of life, eternal and free, is the gift of Jesus, for you and for me.

Dear Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. Just as bread sustains our physical life, You sustain our spiritual life. You are the source of eternal life, and we know that those who come to You will never hunger or thirst spiritually. We understand that it's not about the physical miracles, but about believing in who You are - the Son of God and the Savior of the world. We believe in You, Lord Jesus, and we partake in the Bread of Life that You offer. We hold onto Your promise that whoever partakes in the Bread of Life will live forever. This underscores the promise of eternal life through You, Lord Jesus. We thank You for Your love, Your sacrifice, and the eternal life that You offer. Help us to live our lives in a way that honors You, and guide us on our journey of faith. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen.

God is not confined to any one place, like the temple. We can experience God’s presence anywhere and at any time. Even in times of hardship and persecution, God can bring about growth and the advancement of His kingdom. He gives us the courage to stand up for our faith, even in the face of severe opposition and boldly proclaim the truth about Jesus. We should always be open to God’s word and guidance. These lessons can be applied to our own lives as we navigate our faith journeys. They remind us to be courageous, to seek God everywhere, to listen to His guidance, to find growth in hardship, and to practice forgiveness.

51 Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. 52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. 53 You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.” 54 When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. 58 They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep. 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his execution. (Acts 7:51—8:1)

In temples, in spaces, in the vast expanse, God's presence is not confined, it's not by chance. Everywhere we go, every place, every time, we can feel His presence, sublime. In hardship and persecution, in trials so deep, God brings about growth, promises to keep. His kingdom advances, in ways unseen, even in times tough, in landscapes serene. He gives us courage, to stand up tall, in face of opposition, however big or small. Boldly we proclaim, the truth about Jesus, our faith unwavering, in Him we trust. Open to His word, to His guidance we listen, in our faith journeys, His love will glisten. Courageous we are, seeking God everywhere, listening to His guidance, His love we share. In hardship we find growth, in forgiveness we unite, practicing His teachings, holding them tight. These lessons we apply, in our lives each day, navigating our faith journeys, in His light we stay.

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You are not confined to any one place, like the temple. We know that we can experience Your presence anywhere and at any time. Even in times of hardship and persecution, we trust that You can bring about growth and the advancement of Your kingdom. Lord, You give us the courage to stand up for our faith, even in the face of severe opposition. Help us to boldly proclaim the truth about Jesus. We pray that we should always be open to Your word and guidance. These lessons, we apply to our own lives as we navigate our faith journeys. They remind us to be courageous, to seek You everywhere, to listen to Your guidance, to find growth in hardship, and to practice forgiveness. In all things, we seek Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to trust in Your plan, to rest in Your grace, and to live out our faith in a way that honors You. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

God is our deliverer in times of trouble. We should have deep trust in God’s protection especially during times of difficulty, seek God’s guidance and intervention in our lives and trust in His direction. Let us always recognize and appreciate God’s love in our lives. Recognizing God’s love is an essential part of our faith. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the countless ways in which God manifests His love in our lives. Every good thing in our lives, from our health to our relationships to our daily provisions, is a blessing from God and a demonstration of His love. God’s love is unconditional and constant. It’s not based on our performance or worthiness. Recognizing God’s love helps us to trust Him more, increases our gratitude, and deepens our relationship with Him. It also empowers us to extend that love to others. 

3 Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. 4 You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. 6 Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. 7 My trust is in the Lord; 8 I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy. 17 Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. 21 You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men. (Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 7, 8, 17, 21)

In times of trouble, in times of need, God is our deliverer, on this we feed. Deep trust in His protection, we hold so dear, especially in difficulty, we have no fear. We seek His guidance, His intervention divine, in our lives we trust, in His direction we align. Recognize and appreciate, His love so grand, in every corner of our lives, on sea and land. Recognizing God's love, a faith so essential, in countless ways, His love is potential. Every good thing in life, a blessing it's true, from health to relationships, His love we accrue. Unconditional and constant, God's love so pure, not based on worthiness, of this we're sure. Recognizing His love, trust in Him grows, gratitude increases, our relationship shows. Deepens our connection, with Him above, empowers us to extend, His gracious love. In our faith journey, these lessons we hold, God's love in our hearts, a treasure untold.

Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You are our deliverer in times of trouble. We place our deep trust in Your protection, especially during times of difficulty. We seek Your guidance and intervention in our lives and trust in Your direction. We recognize and appreciate Your love in our lives. We understand that recognizing Your love is an essential part of our faith. We acknowledge and appreciate the countless ways in which You manifest Your love in our lives. Every good thing in our lives, from our health to our relationships to our daily provisions, is a blessing from You and a demonstration of Your love. We understand that Your love is unconditional and constant. It’s not based on our performance or worthiness. Recognizing Your love helps us to trust You more, increases our gratitude, and deepens our relationship with You. It also empowers us to extend that love to others. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

Gospel

II: The Book of Signs

THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE

John 6:22-59

First Reading

II: The Mission in Jerusalem

CONCLUSION / STEPHEN'S MARTYRDOM / PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH

Acts 7:51-53/54-60/01-03

Responsorial Psalm

First Book of Psalms 1-41

PRAYER IN DISTRESS AND THANKSGIVING FOR ESCAPE

Psalm 31:1-25

Reflection Source:

Copilot