Today’s gospel reading from the sixth chapter of John continues our reflection on the Bread of Life discourse regarding the primacy of the Eucharist in our lives. The first reading today from the Book of Proverbs has an invitation to come and eat and drink of a marvelous feast prepared for us. We are invited to “turn in here,” to come and be nourished and sustained from God’s gracious abundance.
The imagery of “turning” causes us to think about the kinds of turning we do in our lives. To what and to whom do I turn for satisfaction, meaning, and comfort? Is my turning healthy and wholesome? Do I feel drawn to orient my life even more completely to God, the Source of meaning and fulfillment? In what ways do the Bible and the Eucharist bring a deep kind of satisfaction?
After hearing about God’s invitation regarding where to turn, we sing Psalm 34, repeating the refrain “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” To taste and savor what God has to offer is a tremendous gift.