Nineteenth week of Ordinary Time

August 11, 2024

Cycle B

First Reading1 Kings 19:4-8

The Lord feeds Elijah, strengthening him for his journey.

Responsorial Psalm 34:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9

A prayer of praise to God for his goodness

Second Reading Ephesians 4:30—5:2

The Ephesians are encouraged to be imitators of Christ.

Gospel Reading John 6:41-51

Jesus identifies Himself as “the bread that has come down from heaven”

Today, Sunday, August 11, marks the beginning of the 19th week in Ordinary Time. The readings for today encourage us to consume the spiritual nourishment that grants eternal life, as stated, “whoever eats this bread will live forever”. This promise suggests that, despite the challenges and exhaustion we may face, this divine sustenance will sustain us. With this sacred bread in our daily lives, we are assured the strength to persevere and overcoming our trials.

The First Reading from the Book of Kings (1Kgs 19:4-8) recounts the story of the prophet Elijah, who, in his despair, requests God to take his life. This narrative prompts us to reflect on our own experiences: How often have we, in moments of anguish, implored God to end our suffering, expressing sentiments akin to Elijah’s plea, “YHWY, I have had enough; take away my life, I am no better than my ancestors”? (1Kgs 19:4) Like Elijah, there are times when we might feel overwhelmed and wish to simply “lay down and fall asleep” (1Kgs 19:5). While this may seem like an easy solution, it is important to recognize that many people mistakenly believe that ending their struggles through such drastic means will resolve their problems. However, this belief often fails to address the underlying issues and may not provide the true resolution they seek.

Experiencing feelings of despair is a natural part of the human condition, and it is not uncommon for us to struggle with such emotions. However, even in our darkest moments, it is important to recognize that God is present, providing us with what we need through various forms of support, often symbolized as “angels” in our lives. Just as Elijah was sustained by a “cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water”, we too may find ourselves receiving unexpected encouragement and nourishment, represented by someone who offers a timely word of comfort: “Get up and eat (1Kgs 19:7). Despite the overwhelming nature of our trials, we are called to rise above our fears, worries, and uncertainties, drawing strength from spiritual sustenance. This relationship with God enables us to experience His goodness in our lives. As the Psalmist declares, “I will bless YHWH at all times; his praise continually on my lips” (Ps 34:1).

In the Second Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Eph 4:30-5:2), we are exhorted to eliminate negative traits such as bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling. Overcoming these behaviors is not something we can achieve on our own. We require the strength derived from the “bread of life”—the Word of the Lord and the Eucharist. Saint Paul further encourages us to embody kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, mirroring the forgiveness we receive from God through Christ. While this is indeed a challenging endeavor, with sincere effort and trust in God, we can aspire to embody these virtues in our lives.

In today’s Gospel Reading from Saint John 6:41-51, Jesus identifies Himself as “the bread that has come down from heaven” (Jn 6:41). This reference to the “bread of heaven” occurs seven times in John chapter 6 (vv. 31, 32, 33, 41, 50, 51, 58), underscoring its significance and connecting it to the teachings from the Book of Exodus about the manna provided in the desert (Ex 16:35). This central theme highlights the essence of the Gospel message: Jesus is the ultimate sustenance for eternal life. He affirms that “No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me” (Jn 6:44) and promises that “Everyone who has listened to the Father, and learnt from him, comes to me” (Jn 6:45). So, belief in Him grants eternal life, affirming that He is the source of our spiritual nourishment and ultimate fulfillment.

In short, the readings collectively affirm that spiritual strength and eternal life are rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who is identified as the true “bread of life”. By embracing this divine sustenance, we are empowered to overcome our trials, transform our behavior, and fully experience the promises of God. This spiritual nourishment, unlike earthly sustenance, is imperishable and essential for our daily journey. As emphasized in the teachings “[…] in a deeper sense, the life-giving and, indeed, living bread is Jesus’ own flesh”[1], which He offers for the life of the world.

[1] Raymond E. Brown, “The Gospel and Epistles of John. A concise commentary”, The Liturgical Press, Minnesota, 1988, 46.