This week continues the Bread of Life discourse. As I reflect on the readings, nourishment is a resounding theme. Elijah needs nourishment for his journey. He is told by the angels to eat; the journey is hard.

Jesus in the Gospel says, “I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Jesus is our nourishment for our journey to eternal life.

On our life journey we have many seasons that we traverse. There are joyous times where things are in abundance. There are deserted times when things are hard, stressful, painful, dark, and challenging. What do you depend on for nourishment when things get tough? Do you rely on yourself to power through? Do you turn to distractions? Our readings remind us to turn our focus and rely on God.

In some of my darkest, most challenging times I have found my faith and relationship with God was strengthened the most. I desired to receive the Eucharist, and my prayer was, “Heal me, help me.” It was all I had the strength for at the time. In hindsight, I only traversed that season with His help. I know there will be all varieties of seasons in the future. How will you desire His nourishment in ALL seasons, today and in the future?