America is a nation of unending highways, millions of automobiles and people on the move. An intrinsic part of this ballad of the road is the ubiquitous  McDonald's, Subways and so forth. A small patch of light in a sea of darkness, a moment of respite for the weary traveler. Food is an intrinsic part of our day to day life.There is no function or entertainment without food.The situation was not so different in the time of Jesus.

But here in this passage  JOHN 6: 41 - 51  Jesus was targeted by the Jews because of his proclamation about food. He said " I am the bread that came down from heaven " ( vs.41).Here Jesus corrects them by showing the contrast between earthly food - Manna ( It was the food of Israelites through their journey in wilderness which was given by God ) and  heavenly bread ( Himself ).

Eventhough the Israelites ate Manna they died.There is no life for manna in itself. It helped to sustain life for sometime.But what our Lord said, " I am the living bread that came down from heaven " ( vs. 51 ).Inorder for us to receive eternal life God Himself came down to earth.

The food that we eat comes in the category of Manna.It helps us to sustain life on earth for some time.But only the living bread can give eternal life. For receiving this eternal life we have to be in the continuing relationship with our Lord.When we receive and eat this heavenly bread ( Jesus ) in faith, we are being in the experience of eternal life. When we sincerly partake in the Holy Communion, we are also receiving the bread of life into our life.It is not a  momentary experience, but it is an ongoing process.Our Lord gave his life as heavenly bread for us.He was broken for our eternal life.When we receive him we have a responsibility, ie. to be bread for others.To give ourselves to be broken for the life of others.Then heaven will be manifested through our lives.This is the fortaste of the kingdom in this world.

So let us pray to the Lord -  O Lord help us to receive and experience you as our heavenly food. Enable us to be partakers in the experience of eternal life and strengthen us to help others to discover you as the living and lifegiving bread.  Amen.