In today’s first reading, we hear the story of Elijah in the desert. He is a person who has exhausted all of his strength, who can no longer carry on, and who cries out to God for deliverance. And the Lord provides: Elijah receives food and water from heaven for the journey. The Lord does not take away Elijah’s trial, but he gives Elijah what he needs to overcome the trial.
This first reading takes on new meaning in light of today’s Gospel. Jesus reveals that he is “the living bread that came down from heaven” – he is the food the nourishes us in the desert, amidst our trials. Every human heart at some point cries out to God for deliverance just as Elijah does. God’s loving response is not merely to give bread, but to give His own Son, who satisfies all of our needs and desires. Today, let’s pray not for temporary nourishment that fades away, but for the nourishment of Jesus Christ, who lives forever.