Jesus likened himself to bread, because it is a staple food. We all know that none of us could live very long without food. Without nourishment, our bodies would wither and eventually die. Just as food sustains our physical bodies, so does Jesus nourish our spirit.
In today’s Gospel passage, when Jesus speaks of life, he means something more than mere physical existence. The life Jesus refers to is one connected to God the Father for all eternity. Jesus tells us that without him, no one can enter into a relationship with God.
“First he offers himself as spiritual food which produces the very life of God within us. Second, he promises unbroken friendship and freedom from the fear of being forsaken or cut off from God. Third, he offers us the hope of sharing in his resurrection. Those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior will be raised up to immortal life with Jesus when he comes again on the last day.”
What are you feeding your spirit? Are you living to sustain your physical life, or are you nourishing your spirit with the love and light of Jesus?