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Blessed Bread

Margaret Rizza

Today is Tuesday the 6th of May, in the 3rd week of Eastertide. 

The Convivium Singers sing, ‘Blessed Bread’ by Margaret Rizza. As we prepare for prayer today, pause and allow the music to speak to you. How is Jesus present for you in this piece?  

Blessed bread, everlasting life 

Sacred cup, eternal salvation 

3:56

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John. 

John 6:30-35 

So they said to [Jesus], ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, 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.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ 

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ 

5:40

In God Alone

Margaret Rizza

Begin today’s reflection time thinking about bread. Bread in all shapes and sizes, food that everyone understands. You might want to take a piece of bread in your hand. Think about the basic ingredients. Crumble the bread. Taste it. Where does this basic ritual take you in your imagination? 

What do you think of bread as a symbol that Jesus often uses in His teaching? Simple?  Ingenious? Deeply nourishing on many levels? 

Listen to the passage again. Let anything become clear that perhaps hasn’t been clear before.  

8:39

John 6:30-35 

So they said to [Jesus], ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, 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.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ 

Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ 

9:47

Share a quiet, simple meal of bread with Jesus as you reflect on what you’ve heard. You can ask any questions; make any comments you want to. You might want to finish with “Give me this bread, always.” 

12:16

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be 

World without end 

Amen