First Reading
Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15
1. The Israelites grumbled about the lack of food in the desert. They remembered their abundant pots of animal flesh in Egypt when they were captives. How is your trust in God when God calls you to new journeys in your spiritual life or ministry?
2. “Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion.” What do you think our directive for natural resources would be? Take only what we need? Share it? Develop new sources of sustainable energy (renewable, as in wind, solar, etc.)?
Second Reading
Ephesians 4:17, 20-24
1. One translation has Paul calling the Ephesians to a spiritual revolution (drastic change). If you personally were to have a spiritual revolution, what would go and what would stay in your life? Would you add anything new?
2. Paul urges them to “ … put on the new self.” Do you think God is ever finished creating you? Is this something you do (or God does) just once, or do you (or does God) do it continually?
Gospel
John 6:24-35
1. “Our ancestors ate manna in the desert.” What is the food you need for your life’s journey? Why do you think Jesus comes to us as bread or even as food/nourishment?
2. “Sir, give us this bread always.” They were all starving for food “that endures for eternal life.” For the first Eucharist Jesus had someone find him a large room. Below, why does Pope Francis say the Church itself needs to be a “large room”?
The Church too must be a large room. Not a small and closed circle, but a community with arms wide open, welcoming to all. Let us ask ourselves this question: when someone approaches who is hurting, who has made a mistake, who has gone astray in life, is the Church, this Church, a room large enough to welcome this person and lead him or her to the joy of an encounter with Christ?
Let us not forget that the Eucharist is meant to nourish those who are weary and hungry along the way. A Church of the pure and perfect is a room with no place for anyone. On the other hand, a Church with open doors, that gathers and celebrates around Christ, is a large room where everyone—everyone, the righteous and sinners—can enter.
Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ
Pope Francis Homily
June 6, 2021
