The readings today warned us to be watchful of our actions and choices so that we remain steadfast in love and compassion in our journey with the poor and marginalized. It invites us to take the straight path of discernment when trying to make good use of everything we have; to understand what the will of the Lord is in becoming a living bread of Christ in our world today.
Our gospel readings on Sundays for the past three weeks have been about the discourse on the bread of life. Today, God calls us to be bread for others so that we are assured of His loving providence to face challenges for the salvation of all. The recent typhoon Carina destroyed many homes and livelihoods with its flood in many places within Luzon.
People are still recovering and grieving. Despite what happened, they still believed in God’s compassion and providence and were grateful for the support from many people who helped them to start again. Jesus keeps assuring us as the gospel reading says, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
He knows what we need because He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus expressed to the Jews that whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will live forever after they questioned Him. He confronted them with conviction and integrity because He knows himself that He is sent by the Father for the salvation of all. Today, we are confronted with accusations, persecutions, and threats because we stand up for truth, peace, and justice, believing that everyone has the right to live harmoniously, justly, and equally.
Our recent celebration of the World Day for Indigenous People on August 9, 2024, has given hope to Indigenous communities by showing that they are recognized internationally and their voices are heard. It has given them hope because their issues and concerns are heard. They have been victims of injustice and exploitation for many years, and they continue to hunger for peace, livelihood, justice, and their rights to their ancestral land.
We are being challenged on how we can embody Jesus in our daily lives – with our co-workers, communities, family, and in our journey with the poor. In the midst of challenging situations and uncertainties, God is ever-present. It is our choice to become better for others by being kind, compassionate, caring, and understanding. Many have been suffering in poverty and can hardly eat three times a day. How can we become “bread” and “life” for others? What can really sustain us as a community? Can we empathize with the poor who continue to hunger for peace, justice, and support?
Gospel reflection of Sr. Lyzyl Italio, Medical Mission Sister (MMS) for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Balik-Tanaw is a group blog of the Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR). The Lectionary Gospel reflection is an invitation for meditation, contemplation, and action.
