Readings 1 Kgs 19:4-8; Eph 4:30—5:2; Jn 6:41-51

How many of us would like to be like Elijah in today’s first reading. Just sit down, go to sleep and not do anything since we don’t think we can affect the world around us? Elijah was running from Queen Jezebel; she had been told that he had killed 400 prophets and God had just used him to show up the prophets of Baal who she believed in. He figured his life was next to be forfeit and he was tired of running.

He neglected to do one thing you would think a prophet would know to do. He did not consult God on his plans, he told God his plans. So, God does what he does best and in His own way laughs at him for believing that Elijah’s plans are His. He laughs at him by providing him with enough food to survive a 40-day journey to Mount Horeb. We can all at one time or another feel like Elijah and follow his lead. Feel free to tell God your plans, just be prepared to let God show you, his plans, especially when they send you in a direction opposite of your plan.

In today’s fragmented society, we need to be willing to listen for God’s plans for each of us, but as Elijah finds out a little later, God will not reveal himself in a large demonstrative way. But in a quiet whisper to ensure that we listen. We do tend to listen more intently the quieter one speaks.

As we have heard over the last couple of weeks, we are in the midst of hearing the Bread of Life discourse from the Gospel of John. This theme will continue for the next couple of weeks. Today we hear how Jesus tells those around him that the bread he is about to give them is his flesh. He also reminds them that the manna in the desert that we heard about last week, was not the bread of eternal life, but just food for the journey to sustain them physically.

Jesus’ own flesh and blood is what we are called to eat if we are to gain eternal life, not a symbol of his body and blood, but his actual body and blood. We as Catholics have the opportunity to follow His instructions every time, we come to Mass The priest through the working of the Spirit consecrates the bread and wine which is transfigured into the body and blood of Jesus.

We celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration this past week where Peter, James and John were shown the divinity of Christ by his being transfigured before them, becoming as radiant a being as was possible for them to see. This ties into the Eucharist, in that this divinity is shared with us in the bread and wine which has become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ.

If we look at the readings as a whole and not just in the small portions of the books we hear today they remind us what we are to do in order to survive and thrive in society today. We are called to be people of prayer, those who ask God for guidance, fortitude and the courage to go where he asks. When Elijah finally listens to the angel and follows the plan God has for him, he is glorified above almost everyone else. Remember he is eventually carried off on a chariot to heaven in the sight of Elisha.

Christ reminds us that when we eat the bread He gives us, we will help to save our eternal souls, this should be the ultimate goal of everyone. This does not mean however that our mortal beings will not be tempted to sin, but the Father and Son have sent forth the Spirit to help us through those difficult times.

When we are confirmed in the faith we are sealed with the Holy Spirit so that God knows we are his. St. Paul reminds the Ephesians today;

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.
All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling
must be removed from you, along with all malice.
And be kind to one another, compassionate,
forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Eph 4-30-32)

With the Spirit and the Eucharist, we are called to live in this world without judgement of others and how they choose to live their lives.

We are called to love one another as Christ loved us. While Christ loved all he came in contact with, it did not mean he approved of the ways they were leading their lives. He did, however, invite them in to communion with Him in order that he may be able to show them how much he loved them for where they were. At the same time, he was also asking them to be so much more than they thought they were capable of. He was working on transfiguring them, just as we are being called to be transfigured by our living for God, not ourselves.

Christ asks us in today’s reading to eat his body, not to be like cannibals, but in order that with the body of Christ part of us and with the guidance of the Spirit we would show those around us the way to a more fulfilled life in Christ. This to me is the meaning of life, work for the salvation of my soul so that I may live eternally with the Lord.

I mean this as the Meaning of Life, not the meaning in our lives. We are called for a different meaning in our life. Some are called to be like Elijah and to spread the word of God to those around us, whether they listen or not is entirely up to them.

Some are called to be like Mary and to be the guiding hands and motherly spirit to those around us making sure they know they are loved for who they are and not what the world may label them. Some are called to the ministerial priesthood to be like Christ to all they come in contact with to help them see how much more fulfilling life can be when you follow Christ.

Some may even be called to be politicians. While this group may be frowned upon, ignored, belittled or vilified, if they act like Christ they can make a big difference in the lives that are affected by the laws they pass and the speeches they give.

One last thing to remember, when we were baptized, we were claimed for Christ and given the titles of priest, prophet and king. When we were confirmed we were sealed with the Holy Chrism and the Spirit descended upon us. When we come forward for the Eucharist we will be doing as Christ instructed us and consuming the bread of life which has become the Body of Christ.

Are we willing to not only listen in the quiet times for God’s plan for us, but also to go where He leads us? He has given us the tools, Direction in His Word, guidance with the Spirit and strength to persevere in His Son through the Eucharist. Using all of the tools we should be willing to live our lives following God’s plan for each of us. Christ reminds us of what Isaiah said, “They shall all be taught by God.” I will leave you with a quote from St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross “Let go of your plans. The first hour of your morning belongs to God. Tackle the day’s work that He charges you with, and He will give you the power to accomplish it.”