Lecturer’s report December 8, 2022, by Greg Brown

Bread of Life

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14

From the beginning, His birth was meant to be food for the world. John’s Chapter 6 is often called the ‘Bread of Life Discourse’ because it says we must eat His flesh to be saved. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life…” We Catholics know this to be Holy Communion, the Eucharist.

I have chosen to talk about the Eucharist in this way because it is Advent and will soon be the Christmas season. And we read in Luke Chapter 2 that, “(Mary) wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.” I think it was Bishop Barron who said to look at where Jesus is placed; in a manger, a feeding trough. So from the very beginning and throughout His ministry Jesus showed himself to be food. He changed water into wine, multiplied the loaves, became the sacrificial lamb. The world is hungry, even starving for what is good. Jesus is the good. Jesus is the spiritual food, metaphorical food, real food, true food, indeed food for the whole world!

How do you see the Eucharist, Advent and Christmas tied together?

Let’s conclude with our prayer for the canonization of Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney.