Deut 8:2-3,14-16; Ps 147; 1 Cor 10:16-17; Jn 6:51-58
Deuteronomy, the “second” book of the law, collected and organised the whole Jewish law from the previous four books. It emphasises that Israel must remember how they had been tested in the wilderness so that they would not again neglect their God. God provided manna and land for their needs, but warned them not to think their success was due to their own efforts.
Paul recalls the wanderings of the Jews in the desert to warn the Corinthians not to have anything to do with idols. They must not compromise. Worship is more than words and actions, it implies the spiritual reality of becoming partners. We cannot share in Christ’s body and blood while also seeking demons such as money and power. Belonging to Christ must be total.
Chapter six of John’s gospel describes Jesus feeding the five thousand before saying that the manna came not from Moses but from the Father. And it is the Father who now offers “the true bread from heaven”, which “gives life to the world” – that is, Jesus himself. Jesus’ teaching is stark. Many could not accept it then, or now. But Jesus insists: we must show we are united with him body and soul by our physical communion with him – and so be united with all his followers. Faith must always be shown by action.
Psalm Response: O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
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