Our Gospel today is all about eating.
The people of the crowd say to Jesus, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you?”
They don't see that Jesus has already given them a sign of his power and glory by multiplying the loaves and fishes. Instead, they recap the history of God’s work in their lives by saying, “Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
Jesus can't believe that they’re missing the good food standing right in front of them. In wonder he says, “I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
Jesus responds, I’m the bread of God. The real deal. Part of a perfectly balanced spiritual diet that gives new and everlasting life. Yes, the law was given through Moses, just like the manna that was given to the people of Israel in the wilderness. But now grace and truth are coming through Jesus Christ, the bread of God.
Slowly, slowly, the lights begin to come on. The people are starting to get it, so they say, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
