Bread for All

Today’s Gospel reading quotes Jesus: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn. 6:51). In faith, I want to emphasize the ecumenical and interfaith meaning of Christ’s message. The phrases “whoever eats this bread” and “for the life of the world” are most meaningful.

We are called by the one and only God of creation to be “bread” for one another. This is the real meaning of our lives. The many ways and means of loving one another are what God created us for. And Jesus showed us the how. In his own loving and merciful way, he fed the hungry. He cured the sick. He forgave sinners with so much compassion. His mercy was unending. And yet, he was not rich nor politically powerful. All this and more was his love for us all. And he invites us to follow him. “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” (v.47)

Let me now relate this to what our beloved and dedicated Pope Francis is determined to work for: “a poor church for the poor.” He began by choosing the name of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for letting go of his wealth and power, to follow the life and ways of Jesus. Pope Francis also refused to live in the papal palace, and has chosen to live a simple lifestyle. Connected with this was his listing of the so-called 15 ailments of the Vatican Curia that he is determined to cure with the help of his Vatican staff. One ailment is being identified with the rich rather than with the poor.

In one of his earlier speeches, he said: “The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.” He then stated later: “Working for