top of page

Daily Devotional for March 8

 

March 8                                                           John 6:27-40
 

              Food for Thought


In today's world, we hear a great deal about eating disorders
and alcoholism. These obsessive-compulsive disorders may
result in part from an emptiness deep within, an emptiness
which the person is trying to fill with "the food which
perishes."


Jesus speaks in today's Scriptures of an imperishable "food
which endures to eternal life." In recovery programs for eating
disorders, spirituality is sometimes emphasized in order to
teach the food addict other ways to fill the void that he or
she has been attempting to fill with "the food which perishes."
Jesus urges us to work instead for the food which does not
perish.


Jesus goes on to make an astonishing statement: "I am the bread
of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever
believes in me shall never thirst." This is, of course, an obvious
reference to the Eucharist, but I believe that this passage also
suggests a connection between the promise of Jesus and the
affliction of persons who suffer from eating and drinking
disorders.


What we are talking about here is our need to satisfy the inner
emptiness that every human being probably experiences at
some time: the need for a sense of self-worth and for others'
respect of our right to exist. When that need for self-worth
and respect is thwarted by faulty upbringing, childhood
trauma, or pain, Jesus, the resurrected Christ, can guide, re-
parent, fill, and restore us.


Who among us in today's world, replete with its stresses,
strains, and challenges, does not need what Jesus offers here:
a chance to experience nourishment, peace, and harmony?


        Risen Jesus, when I am harried and hurried by the
   world, when I feel the need to fill the resulting emptiness
       in my spirit with food or drink, let me stop and feast
                 instead on your accepting love. Amen.

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.198

rte March.jpg
bottom of page