Dear Friends,

Today’s gospel from the sixth chapter of the holy gospel according to John invites us to reflect on the meaning of faith and eternal life. The fact is that many of us lead our lives without ever seriously thinking of these two extremely important and essential concepts. Sadly, the majority of our time and thoughts are occupied by the things of this world, particularly the materialistic. A day does not pass when we are not thinking or worrying about the price of gas and food and the economy in general.

However, our blessed Lord Jesus presents for us another way. He wants us to put aside the anxieties of this world and embrace the mystery of eternity. The holy monks of old taught that one should live each day as if it was his/her last in preparation for eternal life. Eternity is a blessed state, which is beyond all description. The scriptures offer us a glimpse of it to be a place void of pain, sick, sadness, and mourning. Rather it is to be an experience of unending joy and freedom in union with our Creator, the myriads of angels, saints and faithful of all ages.

The role of the Holy Church is to offer glimpses of this and a foretaste if you will of the eternal heavenly banquet. This takes place in the context of the Divine Liturgy. In today’s gospel our Lord says, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” By virtue of Jesus identifying himself as bread, we are enabled to partake of His very presence whenever we receive Holy Communion.

However, the gift of eternal life is dependant on belief and right living. It is not based just on the rote recitation of the Nicene Creed, rather it by humbly allowing the teachings of Holy Scripture and Holy Church to penetrate our hearts and make a difference in our lives, attitudes and actions. If we want to enjoy the gifts of eternal life we need to heed the words of the deacon inviting us to communion, “With fear and with faith, let us draw near in holiness.”

May our heavenly Father bless us with a living and growing faith so that with transfigured lives we may become worthy of the great gift of eternal life.       

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
August 3, 2008