Panis

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Panis

Manna   Eucharist

Feed   Nourish   Sustain

I Am The Bread

Endure

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:  John 6: 35

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. If you come to me, you will not hunger. "

Reflection

One of the great hymns which celebrates the gift of the Eucharist is called the Panis Angelicus or the Bread of Angels. It was written by St. Thomas Aquinas with music composed by Cesar Franck and Sylvester Wager.

The song reminds us that Jesus gives us the bread of life because of His deep and total love for us. The song tells us that the bread of angels becomes the bread for people. 

Manna was given to the Jewish people as they travelled during the exodus event from Egypt to the Promised Land. That bread sustained them on their journey.

Jesus knows that we will face many difficulties and challenges on our journey: discouragement, rejection, frustration, and disappointment. Where will we get the strength to continue?

Jesus provides that strength through, with, and in the Eucharist. We will not be alone as we try to overcome those daily obstacles that we all encounter. 

Jesus feeds us. With that food, Jesus encourages us to feed others in our world who are in need. Just as Jesus gives to us, we are called to give to others---especially those who are most in need.

Jesus nourishes us. He knows the type of bread we need to become stronger and to persevere. We all know what happens to us when we don't take care of ourselves with the proper foods. Junk food won't help!

Jesus sustains us. There will be times when we feel weak. There will be times when we doubt. There will be times when we feel like giving up and we don't think we can make it. Jesus will be there for us and help us to keep going.

We will endure.

The Bread of Life fills us with Love.

Let us come to the table of Jesus.

1. What are some of the challenges that you have been facing lately?

2. How have you felt called to feed the hungry because of your participation in the Eucharist?

3. What has helped you to endure?

4. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)