Exodus 16:2-4.12-15
Psalm 77
Ephesians 4:17.20-24
John 6:24-35
SEARCHING FOR JESUS CHRIST
Why do we go to church? Why do we need to believe in Jesus? Are we miracles-driven Christians or faith-driven Christians? These are few questions we are invited to reflect upon today.
In effect, today’s gospel, which is a continuation of last Sunday’s gospel reading, invites us to make a deeper reflection on the reasons why we are Christians. People go to church because they get satisfied with the singing and preaching during our celebrations. Others go to look for miracles. Still others go because they “should” be there to avoid social tagging. So, “I tell you solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen signs, but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat”.
Jesus had just fed 5,000 people with little bread and fish. But the people could not get him. In much similar way, the Israelites had just passed miraculously through the red sea dry-shod and their enemies drown in the sea. But they still murmured against Moses and God because they were hungry. They forgot that God could feed them from nothing.
This is common among us. We easily and quickly forget the wonderful things God has done and continues to do in our lives, especially when we are faced with challenges and obstacles. And this drives us away from Christ, looking for miracles elsewhere. We go to mallams and fetish priests that provide quick answers to our problems. We lose faith in him, who is really present in the Eucharist. The Jesus who fed the people and worked signs and wonders is the same Jesus in the Eucharist.
Therefore, like St Paul in the second reading, “I want to urge you in the name of the Lord, not to go on living the aimless kind of life that pagans live”. Do not go looking for miracles. You yourself are a wonderful miracle in this world. Put aside your illusory desires and follow Jesus in faith. Trust in him and your life will never be the same.
Amen
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