This month, our Gospel readings will have several weeks in a row of Jesus preaching about bread, and how he is the bread of life. Bread stands for one of the most basic requirements of life, a staple of nutrition for the people listening to his preaching. It also recalls the manna from heaven that sustained the people of Israel in the wilderness. When Jesus speaks of himself as the bread of life, then, the metaphor refers to a foundational and fundamental requirement for life given by God to not only sustain us but to empower us to engage life joyfully.
I cannot help but think, though, of how bread has a very different connotation for us today. Bread is not nearly the foundation of our diets that it was in that context. We are more likely to hear about being careful to not have too much bread as we need to watch our carb intake. For me, the question that raises is what metaphor might replace bread for you? What is it that is essential to life, that not only allows you to live but to do so joyfully? Water is essential, and I like to drink it, but it rarely makes me truly joyful. Maybe a good pillow that allows a restful sleep? I think that one might work for me. There is not a clear answer, but it is a good exercise to think about what is truly important. More than that, how is it that Jesus is like these truly important elements of life? Finding metaphors that really speak into our experiences can help us hear Jesus’ message anew. This month try out some new metaphors for what Jesus means in your life. Let me know what you come up with!
— Pastor Eric