18th Sunday – Jer 23:1-6; Eph 2:13-18; Mk 6:30-34
Food that gives eternal life
They said to him, “What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?” Jesus, in answer, said to them, “This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent”.
This is the turning point of the Gospel that is read today. Earlier, there is admiration, because Jesus multiplied the loaves. But when they hear that they should believe in Him, they immediately ask what sign He will show them. As if the sign of multiplying the loaves didn’t exist.
Characteristic, isn’t it? Everything is good since we ate for free. But when some requirement appears – to believe – doubts multiply as to whether there is any basis for it. Did we see a miracle? No, that is not enough. Prove it. . .
It is similar today. Everything is good if we eat for free. When being in the Church provides something. When you can organise a baptism, a communion party, a wedding. Or just a beautiful funeral. However, when demands appear – take your faith seriously – doubts then appear. So? Christ taught like that? Why should I believe that He is God, that He has saved me; and what did He save me from, since I owe everything to myself. . .
And they go hungry. Seeking to satisfy their hunger in various spiritual restaurants, shops or even rubbish skips. And only Jesus is the life-giving bread. Only the one who comes to Him will not hunger; and the one who believes in Him will thirst no more.