Scripture Study for
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 16:2–4, 12–15 / Psalm 78:24b / Ephesians 4:17, 20–24 / John 6:24–35
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
The Israelites’ murmuring in the wilderness highlights more than their discouragement in the face of hunger. Their very real need for food put their faith in God to the test. The entire Israelite community grumbled to Moses and Aaron. Although it is God’s leadership that is being challenged, it is God’s appointed leaders who are being blamed. It is not the complaint itself but its content that is disturbing. The people prefer their former situation of oppression in Egypt with food, rather than their present freedom without food. God hears their rebellious grumbling and responds, not with punishment, but with provisions. Once again God’s divine power and mercy are demonstrated.
The admonition that Paul gives to the Ephesians is a wisdom teaching in which contrasts are drawn in an uncompromising manner. There are only two ways of living: the way of the wise or righteous, and the way of the foolish or wicked. Paul contrasts the life the Ephesians lived before their conversion with the one to which they have now committed themselves. This new life demands a radical change. However, this is not out of the reach of the Ephesians. They must further choose the path they will follow. Will it be the way of futility, or will they be recreated in God’s own righteousness and holiness?
Jesus’ discourse on the bread of life is actually a response to the challenge from the people who demand a sign that will verify his authority. Knowing that the crowds followed him for food, Jesus makes this an opportunity to teach them about food that would endure. Just as God gave their ancestors manna from heaven, so God gives them the true bread from heaven, the bread that gives life to the world. Through careful explanation, Jesus has led them away from a superficial search for physical satisfaction to a desire for the deeper things of God. More than that, he has prepared them for his self-proclamation: I am the bread of life.