By Lori Ubowski

 

 

Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” ~ John 6:68-69

As I sit here forming thoughts, trying to shake off the stresses of the day piling on me, what I long for more than anything is to share something meaningful and genuine. I want my words to connect with my sisters in Christ who are just simply trying to make it through the next few days, few hours, or even a few minutes. I’ve said so many times in the last week to myself and anyone who would listen, “I can’t deal with that right now I’m just trying to make it to the next hour.” Raise your hand if you can relate to needing a moment that breathes new life and motivation into the midst of what you’re constantly wading through!

Everlasting Life

Turning to today’s readings for words of inspiration, I was drawn to the Responsorial Psalm. The refrain “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.” actually comes from the Gospel of John (John 6:68c) instead of from the Psalms. This interesting twist caught my attention, so I embarked down a rabbit hole, discovering that this verse is in the context of Jesus’ discourse on the Bread of Life. The disciples listened to Jesus say he is “…the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:58), and they expressed to him how difficult it was to accept. He explained that life is found in the Spirit and that his words spoken to them are spirit and life.

It made me stop and think about my words in recent days. What have I said to those around me? Those I love and those I don’t even know. Have my words breathed spirit and life into anyone? Have they pointed anyone to Jesus? I certainly hope so.

What Did You Say

I am grateful for the blessing of these two people who entered into my life as they did so unexpectedly this past week. I’m also thankful for the gift (a rare one for me) of paying attention and being open to the graces of just stopping and taking a moment to be present and life-giving to another human being. For the heart to reach in and essentially say, “Let me lift you up,” and “Let me be here for you today,” as an extension of Jesus’ spirit and life.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving us the words of everlasting life. Open my heart to the countless opportunities present each day to be a messenger of your spirit and life to others.

Call to Action

Join me in praying for more opportunities — with either family, friends, or complete strangers — to introduce others to the words of everlasting life found only in Christ, the Bread of Life. Not only through our words but by our actions as well.

 

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