Food That Endures

When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” John 6:16-27 

Food that Endures

O Creator of abundance and goodness
you have blessed us with plenty
you have provided enough for everyone
yet so many go hungry and unloved.

We strive and worry about our bodies
when our hearts are selfish and unkind
you have called us to a different fullness
an ache for the spirit of beloved community.

We live in a time of pandemic and fear
yet you remind us there is plenty enough
enough love to make the weakest strong
endless forgiveness to heal our broken hearts.

Make us workers in your gardens of hope
help us plant seeds of love and embrace
let our heart be broken open and humble
so we might share the rich food of the spirit. Amen