by Sister Renee Delvaux
What is the latest advertisement you have seen for health foods to give you strength to live fully? The ads truly abound. Where do we find spiritual health food to sustain us on the journey of eternal life?
In the first reading, when Elijah was despondent and struggling to continue the journey, God woke him from sleep and fed him twice. Elijah was then aware of God’s love and concern for him, and was strengthened in body and spirit to get up and go on.
In John’s Gospel this Sunday Jesus speaks about His being from God and being nourishment for eternal life. There is murmuring and disbelief regarding these words. Jesus invites the doubting Jews, the apostles, and us to find our strength and life in Him.
Jesus’ promise of spiritual food for eternal life:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven;
whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (Jn 6: 51)
Lord, I believe; help me in my unbelief.
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"Where do [I] find spiritual health food to sustain us on the journey of eternal life?"
Being a truth-seeker, and recognizing this especially so of me in my adult life, I find spiritual HEALTH food in the moving, inspiring, heart-felt stories of others. One such recent story is that of the 12 Thailand boys and their coach rescued alive from the cave after being trapped for 10 days. "Wild Boars" Soccer Team: 12 students; 1 coach. (Sound familiar? 12 disciples; 1 Teacher) Their coach/Teacher had already taught them how to meditate-and meditate well. Deeply-One; Deeply-at-Peace. This is how and why they survived.
Then there was the "Sleeping Lady" Mountain, overshadowing the village and the cave. The People knew her to be their protector. The people, too, like the boys and coach, prayed, meditated.
It was their Prayer -- their Faith -- all of them, together, along with the great skill and care of the rescue team, including medical professionals, that brought all 13 out alive, and quite well.
The "Sleeping Lady" awoke to their great need. She rallied the help of the Divine Physician, the Great Healer-Transformer-Miracle Worker, just as she did at the wedding in Cana. Together, and with all others, they made a Great Team. :+) Linda