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When future historians look back on the early 21st century, they may identify “journey” as a defining characteristic of our time. In recent decades, hordes of people have surged across countries and continents, fleeing from climate disasters, war, oppression or starvation. In their desperate search for a better life, they often face unimaginable and life-threatening dangers.
Though perhaps in less dramatic circumstances, we are all undertaking a journey. The arc of every life involves change, leave-taking, risks, challenges. Each of us is inevitably confronted with times of struggle and pain, perhaps even to the point where we feel like giving up.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers himself as the food for our journey, the bread of life. How do we experience this life-giving sustenance? In the Eucharist, to be sure, but also in so many other ways. It may be a phone call from a friend when we are feeling utterly alone, or a casserole delivered to a family dealing with illness or grief, or simply a word of encouragement when it is most needed.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called in turn to be bread for others. By giving of ourselves – gifts of time, resources, emotional or physical support – we too become bread, broken and shared for our suffering world.