Wednesday, 7^th May 2014 – Wednesday of the 3^rd week of Easter

Reflection: John 6:35-40

THE NEW MANNA

Christ the new manna from heaven fulfils what was lacking in the old manna that the Israelites ate in the desert (Exodus 16). Though, the old and new manna came down from heaven; the old manna was only capable of giving life to the flesh while the new manna gives life to the soul and body. The innate yearning in man for satisfaction cannot be fulfilled by materials things, although they may come from heaven. For this reason, God proposes something new. The bread that comes down from heaven is not something, but someone, and that is Christ. That true bread communicates life to us.

In the Eucharist, we receive the true body and blood of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Thus, each time we participate worthily in the Eucharist, we receive Christ the source of eternal life. We receive the grace to overcome our weaknesses, sin and temptations. For us to experience this life-giving power of the Eucharist, we need to believe in Christ and to make a personal commitment to Him.

Christ alone can satisfy all our inner hunger and thirst. He alone can give life and meaning to our existence. He has promised never to turn away anyone who comes to Him. Dear friends, let us arise then and approach Christ daily in the Eucharist, that He may renew in us the Joy of Salvation.

Prayer: Lord, may the daily partaking of your body and blood bring me to eternal life. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1324

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life”. “The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch”.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Truly I say to you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will have no life in you.” John 6:53 CCB

Today’s Readings: Acts 8:1-8, Psalm 66:1-7, John 6:35-40