Life, the bread of . . . see Christ

Life, eternal . . . see Christ

Index the many references to “life” in Scriptures and more than likely it will refer you to Christ. The essence of God’s life in the world, Jesus Christ serves as the gate through which we engage life to the fullest, guided by all he says, does, and calls us to do. “Come to me,” Jesus says, “and I will give you . . . . “

What one needs varies depending on the person, the day, the situation. But what stays the same is that it is Christ to whom we come. Christ wants it that way as we hear proclaimed in today’s Gospel. Put aside my self-sufficiency, my doubts, my busy schedule, and my false humility that God does not want to hear from me. Instead, take the time to bring all of my life, each day, to Christ to be revived and redeemed.

The time that I consider, reflect, struggle, and learn from my daily life, with Christ by my side, provides the kneading, punching, forming, and rising time that helps me partake in the Bread of Life that Christ offers.

Simply answer these questions each day, “For what am I grateful today?” “Where did I see God today?” “Where did I need God today?” “What do I wish I had done differently today?” “What is it tomorrow that I want to do for God?”

When Christ asks, “How are you doing?” Don’t just say, “Fine.”

Fr. Chris Manahan, S.J. is Associate Novice Director at the Jesuit Novitiate of St. Alberto Hurtado, St. Paul, MN. For more information on Jesuit vocations, click here.