Thoughts on Food

For most colleges and universities around the country, this week marks finals' week. I currently work in an undergraduate residence hall at the University of Notre Dame and so I get quite an insight into the ways in which these intelligent and driven students prepare for their exams and papers.

Many types of foods are consumed during this week, especially of the sweet and savory variety: pizza, hot dogs, burritos, candy and chocolate.While not of the healthiest stock, these snacks do help to keep the residents focused on their work. During finals' week, these young scholars will often neglect sleep, exercise, and socializing, but they will never miss out on a chance to grab some much needed grub!

Food is an essential component of all existence. All creatures sustain themselves from what they have consumed. This is especially true for us. But what we eat is much more than just fuel. Our meals have a way of reflecting who we are and what we value. Think about it: some of our most lavish meals occur at life's biggest celebrations -- wedding banquets, awards ceremony luncheons, Thanksgiving and holiday feasts. We also live at a time in which the fast-food culture continues to expand while children in our own country go hungry without any food in their bellies.

Food indeed says much about who we are and what we value.

In today's Gospel passage (John 6:30-35), Jesus declares that he is the Bread of Life. This food of Jesus' flesh is unlike anything we have ever eaten. We will always be hungry the next day after eating regular food. This is not so with Jesus. When we eat of Jesus, when we consume the Lord and allow him to enter into us, only then are we truly satisfied.

Jesus offers himself to us as our food and drink. What a radical concept! Our Lord is so present to us that we can literally gnaw and chew him. This Bread from Heaven is freely shared and freely given; it compels us to likewise share our entire self with others. This banquet seats the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized at the head table. Wine flows abundant, and like Blood, gives life. This food and drink satisfies the hunger of our hearts. And it is present to us, here and now.

Of course, we will always need to eat regular food. Whether preparing for final exams, celebrating life's moments, or simply refueling our bodies, food remains a natural and essential part of life. However, there is a Source of Life and Nourishment who continues to summon us to eat and drink, to fulfill our deepest needs.

Jesus gives to us his Body, broken and shared as bread, and his Blood, poured out as new wine for all. Come to him, all who hunger and thirst. Eat. Drink. And be satisfied.