Today Jesus reveals himself as the bread of life. At first sight, the definition He makes of himself is rather curious and paradoxical; but, when we dig into it a little further, we realize that with these words the meaning of his mission is clearly stated: to save man and give him a new life. «And the will of him who sent me is that I lose nothing of what He has given me, but instead that I raise it up on the last day» (Jn 6:39). This is why, to perpetuate his saving act of giving himself for us and his presence among us, Jesus Christ has become spiritual aliment for us.
God makes it possible for us to believe in Jesus Christ and get close to him: «Yet, all that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me, I shall not turn away. For I have come from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of the One who sent me» (Jn 6:37-38). Therefore, with our faith, let us get close to him who has decided to be our nourishment, our light and our life for, as Ignatius of Antioch affirms «faith is the principle of true life».
Jesus Christ invites us to follow him, to nourish ourselves through him, for this is what it means to see him and believe in him. At the same time, He shows us how to abide by his Father's will, just as He does. When teaching his disciples the prayer of the sons of God, the Lord's Prayer, He put together these two petitions: «Your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today the bread that we need». This refers not only to the material bread, but to Himself, as the bread of eternal life whom, day after day, we have to remain very close to with the profound cohesion the Holy Spirit provides us with.