for April 30
Thursday in the Third Week in Easter

The scripture readings today remind me of my Grandmother and the wonderful homemade bread she used to regularly bake in her kitchen. During our regular visits to her home us kids would impatiently wait with Grandma in the kitchen for the bread to come out of the oven, settle for a while, and then be ready for us to enjoy. The bread was slightly sweet and was especially great with butter while it was still warm. When I reflect back on my Grandmother’s life I realize that her special bread was one of the many ways she would give of herself to us and to many others in her own life.

Today’s familiar passage from John’s Gospel is from the discourse on the Bread of Life. Jesus speaks of himself as Bread of a different kind that opens up toward life that is eternal. The images of bread appear in many traditions of our faith with the Eucharist being among the most central. There is something both simple and humanly profound about bread. In many cultures bread is itself a life sustaining food that is universal and basic. Even in this time of global crisis where we may be acutely aware of the absence of our usual Eucharistic gatherings we do have a sense, I believe, that Jesus himself is still and always available to us now to nourish us and bring us life. The life of Jesus is open to us—perhaps especially in these days—and he not only waits for us but actively searches for us.

I find it striking that the man from Ethiopia who meets Philip in the first reading from Acts does not want to wait for Baptism. He wanted to enter into life with Christ immediately and be a part of the Christian community. It seems that the African background of this early Gentile convert told in the story of Acts intends to give evidence of the spread of the faith in a universal way to persons and cultures far and wide. This convert, perhaps like all new members of the faith community, has much to give and shows positive desire and asks great questions. In the passage it seems clear that the Spirit is ultimately leading Philip and guiding his work. This mission is making good progress and God is taking the initiative to direct the life of the community. In Acts, Philip’s own mission is led by the Spirit. Yet, Philip also does his part as he opens up the text of Isaiah for the Ethiopian man. Philip explains how the prophet foretells the coming ministry of Jesus and in particular explains the meaning of his suffering, death, and resurrection. Jesus does the same for his disciples and early followers on the road to Emmaus (as we heard in last Sunday’s liturgy) as he opened the scriptures for them. On that ancient road they recognized him in the breaking of the bread and they began to grow in faith in the meaning of Jesus’ own gift of himself to those who believe in him.

The most precious gift we can give to others is the gift of ourselves—to freely and openly share life and love with another. In this way and more Jesus gives his very self to us to bring us life. We do well to receive him and not delay. But for many around the world right now it may feel like a strange time of waiting. I remember waiting for my Grandmother’s wonderful bread, how it eventually came, and in the end, there was never disappointment. We can trust that Jesus will continue to give us himself in his Bread that calls us to life and love as we similarly share this amazing gift that we have received with those we meet along the road of life.
—Francis T. Hannafey SJ

Today’s readings can be found at the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.