Includes Sermon Audio
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Today’s readings: 2 Sam 18:5-9, 14, 31-33. Psalm 130. Ephesians 4:25-5:2. John 6:35, 41-51.
Sentence: Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1-2
Collect of the day
Grant, O Lord,
that we may see in you the fulfillment of all our need, and may turn from every false satisfaction, to feed on the true and living bread that you have given us in Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
A thought to ponder upon: John 6; 35, 41 – 51
The sixth chapter of John’s Gospel is set immediately after the account of the miraculous feeding the five thousand and contains the teaching of Jesus about himself as “Bread of Life”.
This chapter deals with our close personal relationship to, and dependence on Christ. Our acceptance of Jesus as the “Bread of Life should characterise our whole lives moment by moment . This is outwardly expressed and may be inwardly enjoyed by those who “Worthily Receive” Holy Communion. Christ is the very bread of life to us. In that sense, whoever comes to Christ will never hunger, and never thirst (35).
This is what makes Christ the true “bread from heaven”. (32). He gives eternal sustenance and satisfaction, far surpassing the momentary satisfaction given by a the earthly manna (31) or the five loaves and two fishes (nine), necessary though that these physical provisions were at the time.
No wonder that the people begged Jesus: “Sir, always give us this bread” (34). But as yet, they neither understood for what they were asking, nor the conditions of receiving it.
To those who only see Christ because of the loaves and fishes (26 close bracket, there can be no true finding of him. Jesus must be accepted or rejected at a far deeper level that is why we come to holy communion on a regular basis.
The Reverend Josie Steytler preaches on John 6; 35, 41 – 51 after the gospel reading.
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