The Bread of Life, Week 5

In this 5 week series, we focus on Jesus who says to us, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”  (John 6:35)

For the last couple of weeks, we have seen the Jewish community of Jesus reject these words.  This is not really surprising!  However, this week rejection hits closer to his heart for many of his followers stopped following.  They just couldn't accept this teaching.  But those closest to him, represented by Simon Peter declare, "‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’  

This is the highlight of the chapter for me.  In many ways it has been a tough journey and yet we have arrived to the place we have moving for the last 5 weeks.  We ask, "Who is Jesus?"  And we answer with John, "Jesus is the Holy One of God," a human being of the same substance as God, through whom we receive as a free gift of grace ... eternal life, not just in the afterlife but right here and right now!

I invite you to spend a few moments to prepare your heart to receive the Word of God as you prayerfully consider the Scripture passage for today.   Breathe deeply and envision Jesus, the Holy One of God.  In your vision, what does the Holy One of God look like?  What is the Holy One of God doing?  Settle into a sense of awe, peace, and blessing within yourself with a simple breath prayer.  Use this one or create your own (six to eight syllables)

          Breathe in … Bread of Life (pause) Breath out … Holy One of God (pause)

and when you are ready to move deeper into the text ...  Pray: O Jesus, You are the Holy One of God!    Amen … Amen … Amen

Step 1: Lectio … Reading Read John 6:56-69 silently to yourself twice, slowly and reverently.

Listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention.  Gently focus on that word or phrase.  Repeat it several times and allow it to be sifted through your heart and mind all the way to your soul.

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’   Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’

Step 2: Meditatio … Receiving

Continue to focus on your word or phrase.
Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings it evokes.
What images emerge in your imagination?
What memories come to your mind?
Ask God to continue to speak to you through this word.
Listen for God’s reply as you move through your day

Step 3: Oratio … Responding
Consider any desires that have been awakened by your prayer.
Perhaps you have found an area of your life that needs attention.
Do not rush ... wait and listen as God forms your prayers and desires

Step 4: Contempatio … Resting
Allow yourself to rest in the silence.
Allow your mind to settle into the silence.
When you feel the time to move on ...

Pray … Holy One of God, You have the words of eternal life.  I believe in you.  I know you.  Your Spirit lives within me.  Let me live in Your Presence for all of eternity … Amen

Rublev's Christ as Saviour c1410
and Christ Pantocrator c 1600

Cindy's Meditation ... Holy One of God, I want to be holy.  I want to live and breathe into the space you have created within me so that you are always present with me.  I am filled with joy at your presence.   Let me gaze into the face of the Icon and allow you to search my soul.  I want to be holy as you are holy.  

Search me, O God, 

and know my heart;

test me and 

know my anxious thoughts.

Point out anything in me 

that offends you, 

and lead me along 

the path of everlasting life.  

Psalm 139:23-24

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