18B Sunday Homily, John 6:24-35, August 4, 2024
1. STORY
A poor family from Europe was immigrating to the United States by ship. Because few on the ship spoke their language,
they stayed in their 3rd class cabin during most of the voyage. As they were poor and unable to buy more
nourishing food, they ate dry bread and cheese which they brought with them. On the last day of the trip, John, their 15-year-old
son, asked permission to look around the ship. The father agreed under the condition that
John would return in one hour. After the
hour, John did not return and his father went looking for him. To his great surprise, he found his son eating
at a restaurant table. He said to his
son that they did not have money to pay for the food. John replied that it was free as food was
included in the ticket. The family was
not aware that there was delicious food for them on the journey. Many are not aware of the spiritual food which
Jesus makes available to them on their journey through life.
2. GOSPEL, JOHN 6:24-35
A. TWO KINDS OF FOOD
Jesus tells us that there are two types of food. There is perishable food and food that lasts for eternal life, that is food that gives eternal life.
B. BELIEVE IN JESUS
The people asked Jesus for this food. He said that He, the Son of
Man, will give them this food. They
must have faith in him.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A. THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FOOD
All people know what food we eat is but most do not know what spiritual food is. Jesus has taught us there are two types of spiritual food. One type is his word. Every time we listen to his word, he is giving us spiritual food. The second spiritual food is the Eucharist, his body and blood. When we hear the word of God and receive the Eucharist, he gives us eternal life.
B. BELIEVE IN JESUS
To have faith in someone is important for us to be able to live. Children
have faith in their parents when they eat what their parents prepare for them. Students have faith in their teachers when
they go to school and listen to their instructions. Sick people have faith in their doctor when
they accept the medicine prescribed by him / her. We have faith in the bus company when we board
a bus. We have faith in Jesus when we
accept his instructions. We believe that
Jesus gives us spiritual food when he teaches us. We believe Jesus gives us spiritual food when
we receive his Body and Blood. We ask
Jesus to strengthen our faith so that we will be able to receive the spiritual
food he offers us. This food will give
us eternal life.
4. CONCLUSION
The family on the ship was not aware of the delicious food available to
them on their journey. Many are not
aware of the spiritual food Jesus offers them, that is his word and the
Eucharist. We thank Jesus for the
spiritual food he provides for us. We
ask him to strengthen our faith. Jesus
was sent by God to give us eternal life.
