Theme of the Day: Spiritual Food For Those Focused On The Earthly
Physical food is a blessing from God without which we would literally wither away and die. That is why Jesus lovingly and miraculously fed thousands of followers with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Yet, while physical food is a good thing, it is far from the greatest thing God provides us. The greatest blessing God provides is spiritual food. The best thing God gives us is his Son, the bread of life. Without that spiritual food, we wither and die in a much worse way.
This week we see the multitudes coming to Jesus looking for two things: ever more temporal blessings—full bellies, healthy bodies—and an explanation of how to gain them. Jesus explains the greater need for spiritual food. He assures us that there is nothing we do to earn it. Our Father urges us to come to him for our daily bread, asking him to provide for our temporal needs. But may we hunger most for our greatest need: spiritual food that Christ freely gives.
John 6:24-35
Exodus 16:15-31
1 Corinthians 10:1-5,11-13
Psalm 34B
481 Alleluia! Let Praises Ring
923 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
662 Draw Near
541 How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
799 I Leave All Things to God’s Direction
Prayer of the Day: Merciful Father, you gave your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on him in your Word and sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. Alleluia.