19. Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B John 6,41-51

Most of you have likely visited the circus and still recall the impressive performances by artists and animals, as well as the meticulous organization behind the scenes. You probably expressed your admiration and gratitude for the performers’ hard work with thunderous applause. This experience reinforces the age-old lesson that expertise is not innate, but rather acquired through learning. Even Jesus emphasized the importance of teaching and the role of the teacher, referring to God as the ultimate and perfect teacher. After miraculously multiplying bread to demonstrate his divine origin and reveal himself as the bread from heaven, Jesus had to reiterate this message, as the people still struggled to understand him.

The people of Nazareth struggled to accept Jesus’ divine origin because they knew him as a carpenter’s son, familiar with his relatives and childhood antics. They questioned how someone they knew so well could possibly come from heaven. Jesus acknowledged their skepticism, explaining that no one can comprehend the truth about him on their own, as no one has seen God. He reassured them that it’s not possible to come to him unless the Father draws them, saying, “Do not grumble among yourselves! No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.”

Jesus’ words, “I will raise him up on the last day,” are rooted in the Prophets’ declaration that “all will be taught by God himself.” Those who have heard and learned from the Father come to Jesus, having been drawn by the divine. This exchange highlights two essential aspects of the Eucharist: it is a source of spiritual sustenance and a sacrifice. Our weekly gathering for this sacrifice provides us with the nourishment necessary for eternal life. In today’s fast-paced world, this sacrament offers a welcome respite, allowing us to recharge and restore our energies.

For believers, gathering around the Lord’s altar on Sundays is essential. The Eucharistic bread is not just a material object, but a Person – Jesus Christ, the living bread that comes from heaven and nourishes our spiritual lives. Recognizing Sunday as the Lord’s day, we should strive to dedicate it to Him by actively participating in the service, not just by attending Mass, but also by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist with reverence and spiritual benefit..

How do I truly observe Sunday? Is it a day of spiritual rejuvenation for me, or is it just another day? I know that God is the ultimate teacher, but reality often gets in the way. Holidays, vacations, and summer activities can leave little time for spiritual pursuits. Even in winter, when life slows down, I might find excuses to skip worship. And what about receiving Holy Communion every Sunday? I fear being judged or ridiculed by others. How many of us think this way? Am I not guilty of the same thoughts? A missionary once shared a story about a man who would occasionally visit the church, kneel briefly, glance up at the altar, and then hastily depart.

Those who encountered him were typically left wondering about his identity. In a chance meeting with a priest, he explained why his visits were so brief: “My employer prevents me from lingering, so I snatch every spare moment to come here. I rush to the shrine, say a quick prayer, and introduce myself to Jesus. ‘Here I am, Jesus, that’s all for now.’ I think to myself, ‘Why do I flee while this man comes so regularly, yet so humbly?’ I’d rather we emulate him, making an effort to gather around the Lord’s table every Sunday, no matter the season. After all, isn’t our ultimate teacher – God – the one guiding us toward this practice?”