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DO NOT COMPLAIN OR GRUMBLE


How many times have we grumbled before God? Too many times, I guess. We grumbled about a difficult situation. We complain about the heartaches over a lover, angry and frustrated about a betrayal and seemingly unfair response from someone we care and expect to return our good actions. 
 
This Sunday’s readings are focused on Jesus as the Bread of life where we are reminded of God’s gift of Himself as our daily food.
 
The first reading from the Book of Exodus, we heard about the grumbling Israelites. They mocked and complained about their situation. Moses promised them a land of freedom from Egyptians, a land of milk and honey. But along the way, through the dessert, the Israelites felt betrayed, abandoned. They began to feel hungry, in need of food. And the promise seemed forgotten. They are now in despair of food. And so, they asked, why? Why all the sudden change? Where is God leading them? When will God come to their rescue? 
 
Of course, we read from the reading that the Lord provided them with quails and bread as food for morning and evening. God heard them! And not only did God provided them with food in the morning when the sun was up, but God was their provider even in the evening when they were not in need of food. Amazing, right? God not only took care of the Israelites during the day, but He was there even when they were asleep.
 
In the gospel of John chapter 6 verses 24-35, we heard today Jesus telling His disciple, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." A close reminder of how God took care of his people of Israel in the time of Moses. But this time, Jesus presents Himself as the God, who like in the Old Testament who will take care of His people.
 
Just like the previous Sunday’s theme on Jesus feeding the 5,000, this Sunday reinforces the same message that Jesus is the sole provider of humanity. In fact, He is not only a provider but THE provider who endures and sustains. 
 
For some instances, the world can be a source of our food which quenches some of our thirsts and fills our hunger. But God comes not only to fill and quench but to fulfill, perfect everything that we long and desire. 
 
Jesus is Our Bread of Life. He is Our food for the Soul. He is Our Life’s sustenance, where everything about us totally depends. This is truly a wonderful reminder for all of us. As we journey through life, everyday God provides us with unceasing gifts and graces. These may differ from our own situations. But remember that whatever comes to us, God has already deemed that as enough and perfect.
 
There is no need to grumble and complain in life. If we truly have faith in God, we can see that everything is in God’s hands. He has the power to move things. He has the heart to change people. He has the mind to see clearly what is invisible from us. He is the God who feeds His people, day and night. Amen.

by  Fro. Rock Saniel, OMI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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