From the Gospel according to John 6:35–40

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.
But I told you that although you have seen me,
you do not believe.
Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,
and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,
because I came down from heaven not to do my own will
but the will of the one who sent me.
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.
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.”

Hungry and Thirsty

All of us carry within our hearts a desire for eternity — a longing for justice, beauty, love, and peace. Man seeks happiness and transcendence because he has been created for life, to live for ever. We have a thirst for fullness that nothing in this world can satisfy.

We try to fill that emptiness with many things, even with the people we love most, yet everything falls short. And today, Jesus reveals to us where our deepest longings are truly satisfied: “Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

The question is: do I go to Him? Do I believe in Him? Or do I live relying on my own securities — work, health, money, reputation…?

It is in this search that Jesus offers Himself as food for the heart: “I am the Bread of Life.” He does not come to give us something; He comes to give us Himself.

So today, in prayer, I ask myself: do I truly hunger for God, or do I live as though I were self-sufficient? Do I recognise my need for His grace — a beggar for His mercy, His love, His presence in the Eucharist…?

Lord, grant me hunger and thirst for You — that I may seek You, find You, and then live only to love You and those You have entrusted to me.

 

Brought into Married Life

Lucy: (looking at her phone) I’ve bought myself another little thing online… and while I was buying it, I was thinking: “I don’t need this.”

Arthur: And yet you bought it?

Lucy: I don’t know… it’s as if, for a moment, it calms me, but the feeling doesn’t last at all…

(Arthur remains silent)

Lucy: And afterwards I feel the same… or even worse — empty. As though I’m trying to fill something, but I don’t even know what it is. But today, while I was buying it, I realised something.

Arthur: What was that?

Lucy: That I’m not really looking for things — I’m looking to feel safe, calm, fulfilled. And buying things is like a quick anaesthetic… I realise now that I’m missing something — or rather, Someone.

Arthur: That’s a beautiful realisation, Lucy. It’s the first step on the journey… The Lord is always waiting for us, and He will never reject us. So… shall we take up our prayer together again?

Lucy: Yes, let’s go to Him together! Lord, I am full of things, but empty of You. Give me hunger and thirst for You, because only You can satisfy me.

 

Mother,

It is comforting to know that the Father does not wish to lose a single one, and from our hearts we unite ourselves to that desire. Help us to reach Heaven!

Blessed are you, Mother!