Bread is one of the most common and popular foods in the world and plays an important role in every civilization. Bread connects us to culture, tradition and religion. It is considered the staple of life. In the Old Testament, wheat and bread are symbols of the earth’s fruitfulness. Manna prefigured the Christian Eucharist, a sign of God’s generosity. In the New Testament bread becomes a symbol of a supreme gift from God. The many grains making up a loaf of bread symbolize our coming together.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us “Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life.” He goes on to say that he is the Bread of Life, and if we partake of this bread from heaven, we will never be hungry.
