The WORD in other words (2010) by Sister Eden Panganiban SSpS – Holy Spirit Convent, Quezon City
Wednesday 3rd Week of Easter
Introduction
Not only does Jesus give Himself to us as food and drink — He gives us full, unconditional acceptance and the promise of eternal life. “I will not reject anyone who comes to me” (John 6:37). Could we ask for more?
Jesus’ Invitation
Jesus addresses His words not to a chosen few but to the crowd. Yet this presupposes that we go to Him, see Him, and believe that He is the One sent by the Father. Our hunger and thirst for Jesus must be deep in the human heart, regardless of culture, economic condition, or profession. In fact, the more desperate and vulnerable a situation is, the more intense this hunger grows.
Images of Hunger for God
Two powerful images come to mind:
- In a resettlement area for the urban poor in Southern Tagalog, Philippines, unemployed men with no means to feed their families sought refuge in the parish church, finding security in the image of the Risen Christ, the Patron of the church.
- In a war-torn village in Angola, soldiers at checkpoints asked not for bread or medicine, but for rosary beads or a copy of the Word of God. In that danger zone, isolated from the world, they had only God as their refuge.
The Power of the Word
As in the First Reading: “…severe persecution broke out in the Church, yet the preaching of the Word continued, many were cured, and there was great joy” (Acts 8:1–8). The Word of God sustains, heals, and brings joy even in the darkest times.
Our Challenge
What about us? Who and what is the Good News that we will proclaim today? Jesus is the Bread of Life, and we are called to share Him with others — not only in words but in deeds of love, justice, and compassion.
Conclusion
May we join the psalmist and all creation in crying out to God with joy (Psalm 66). Let us proclaim with our lives that Jesus is our refuge, our food, our eternal promise.
“Lord Jesus, You are the Bread of Life. Help me to hunger for You alone and to share Your Good News with others.”
