Daily Readings - Sun Aug 01 2021
Exodus
2In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.3The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death."4Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.12"I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'"13That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.14When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor.15When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.31The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.
Ephesians
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way.21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;23to be made new in the attitude of your minds;24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
John
24Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.25When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"26Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."28Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"29Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."30So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?31Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"32Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.33For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."34"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through the narrative of God's provision and the call to live a life transformed by faith. The First Reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' experience in the wilderness, where their complaints of hunger lead to God's miraculous provision of manna. This bread from heaven sustains them physically, a tangible sign of God's presence and care. The Second Reading from Ephesians shifts focus to the spiritual realm, urging believers to shed old, corrupt ways and embrace a new life in Christ, characterized by holiness and truth. The Gospel from John elevates this theme as Jesus, having fed the multitude, reveals Himself as the true bread from heaven, offering eternal life to all who believe.
The connection between these readings is profound. The manna in Exodus was a temporary solution to a physical need, while Jesus presents Himself as the eternal solution to humanity's spiritual hunger. Paul's letter to the Ephesians bridges these two, emphasizing that living as new creations in Christ is only possible through faith in Him. This progression from physical to spiritual underscores the Christian life's essence: trusting in God's provision beyond the immediate and seeking nourishment for the soul.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are reminded to trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Just as the Israelites had to gather manna daily, we must seek spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture, and the Eucharist. The moral lesson is clear: our ultimate satisfaction comes not from earthly comforts but from a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. Let us approach each day with spiritual hunger, seeking to be transformed by His grace, and living as witnesses to the eternal life He offers.