From Bread to Belief: Seeing Jesus as the Giver Behind the Gift

This Homily on John Chapter 6 explores the deeper spiritual meaning behind Jesus’ miracles, . . .

. . . particularly the multiplication of loaves and fishes and his walking on water. The commentary contrasts the emptiness of worldly provisions, symbolized by the Roman emperor Tiberius, with the true sustenance that comes from Christ.

It emphasizes that the miracles are not ends in themselves but signs pointing to Jesus’ divine identity. The people, however, focus on the physical benefits and miss the deeper spiritual reality.

The Lord challenges them . . . and us . . . not to seek God merely for material blessings, but to move from appreciating the gifts to knowing and loving the Giver. The ultimate “work of God” is not action, sacrifice, or ritual, but faith in Jesus Christ . . . the one sent by God. This belief is the cornerstone of spiritual life and the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Hear more within the Homily.

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Image

The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes: Italian painter: Giovanni Lanfranco: 1620

The painting was commissioned for and may be found in the Blessed Sacrament chapel in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.