Ever since the Internet came, I’ve always loved sharing anything under the sun on my social media platforms. I posted anything I liked that I thought others would like too. I created posts of good food, beautiful places, and good deals.

Since 2023, I’ve been doing content creation focused mostly on my travels. Because of my consistency in creating videos, I was awarded as a Rising Star Traveller and Catholic Social Media Female Influencer of 2024. Brands paid me and people began recognizing me in public places. The awards, success, money, and fame seem fulfilling, but those didn’t satisfy my soul.

It’s easy to be blinded with worldly offers, but at the end of the day, it’s temporary. May this remind us to prioritize our spiritual growth and nourishment, not forgetting to thank and glorify the Lord. Let us seek the Bread of Life more because only He can truly satisfy. 

Maine Ybiernas (charmaine_clamor@yahoo.com)

reflect

Do you seek the Bread of Life daily, or are you more focused on temporary rewards?

Lord, help me to always seek You first. Remind me that worldly achievements are temporary, but Your love and presence are eternal. Amen.

St. Conrad of Parzham, pray for us.

Stephen neither compromise nor allow the people to think that they are guiltless in their ignorance. If they are ignorant of God’s love and the Gospel, it is because they choose to be so. This is a sin in itself. There are people who seem to avoid knowing much about God unless their new-found knowledge requires them to change their way of life. This is unfortunate because it can make one miss out on the gift of salvation.

⁵¹ Stephen said to the people, the elders, and the scribes: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; you are just like your ancestors. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They put to death those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become. ⁵³ You received the law as transmitted by angels, but you did not observe it.” ⁵⁴ When they heard this, they were infuriated, and they ground their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, ⁵⁶ and Stephen said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” ⁵⁷ But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him together. ⁵⁸ They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ Then he fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”; and when he said this, he fell asleep. ^8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his execution.  

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 7, 8, 17, 21

R: Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

³ Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety. ⁴ You are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me. (R) 6 Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God. ⁷ My trust is in the Lord. ⁸ I will rejoice and be glad of your mercy. (R) ¹⁷ Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your kindness. ²¹ You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men. (R)

Gospel | John 6:30-35

In today’s Gospel, Jesus argues that He is the greatest figure in history sent by God. For the Jews, Moses is the greatest among the ancient figures of their faith. But Jesus claims that He is greater than Moses. This is one of the main themes of John’s Gospel. Let us take note of this as we read through it. All the figures, ideas, and promises of the Old Testament will be fulfilled in Jesus. This is why He is the Son of God, the Messiah.

Gospel Acclamation

I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will never hunger.

³⁰ The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? ³¹ Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ³² So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ³⁴ So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” ³⁵ Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

Reflect:

Which among Jesus’ deeds and traits is the most life-giving to you? Why?

Read the Bible in one year! Read NUMBERS 10 - 12 today.

Human beings tend to like consistency and resist change, probably more so when it comes to our faith life. Jesus speaks of the Bread of Life, and the Jews immediately remember their history and the provision of manna in the desert for 40 years. Could there be any greater or better understanding given to the idea of “bread of life?” They do not think so, but Jesus does. Jesus tells them that the past was merely a symbol—a foreshadowing of the future—and that the future is now with them in His person. He—Jesus—is the Bread of Life who came down from heaven, not only to offer the means by which all may receive eternal life, but also to provide the food for the journey toward it.

This is too much for them to understand that they begin to resist the whole idea. Jesus continues to gently explain it to them, and the rest of Chapter 6 of John’s Gospel tells us the story. As Christians, we can gain great insight into the title of Jesus as “Bread of Life” by going back to the Old Testament experience of the Jews. This is true as well for the many concepts from the Old Testament that Jesus transforms through His life and preaching. 

The Holy Spirit invites us to expand our minds and hearts as we journey with Him. He wants to take us deeper into our faith so we can experience the fullness of God’s love. But this requires stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the adventure that always accompanies the work of the Holy Spirit.

A few years ago, I learned a new Christian song that talked about our faith journey as being “the ride of a lifetime.” But forget about Disneyland and all the fun parks and joyrides of your youth—faith in Jesus is the greatest adventure ride you will ever take! 

Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

reflection question

Are you ready to get out of your comfort zone and allow the Spirit to lead you into new places and experiences? 

Father, You desire the best for me. I am ready to let go and allow You to take me on the ride of a lifetime! Amen.

Today, I pray for: ____________________________________________________