Food that Endures

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.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’ So they said to him, ‘What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” ’ Then Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ They said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’ John 6:27-40

Gracious Creator who feeds us abundantly

who leads us through the storms of life

and sets us down again by calm seas

help us to trust you for every good thing.

The storm has passed and the winds quieted

we congratulate ourselves for brave strength 

yet you know how often we are so afraid

and how small we feel when we cry out

you always listen despite our faithlessness,

We strut in public and wither in private

we spout our proud ignorance as if wisdom

hiding our shortcoming and human failings

yet you know our heart and love us still.

Break through our stubborn arrogance

and open the child's heart that dwell within

let us be open wide to your abundant love

sharing the your gifts with all people. Amen.