[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.]

The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks.

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6:22-29)

Personal Reflection

I admit, I have put a lot of effort to get that promotion so that I can have more financial freedom. I have labored away and treated myself to many fine dining and making sure I was keeping up with the Jones. Only to find out that that promotion led to a redundancy, the fine dining didn’t even fill me up and the Jones kept changing. If I was willing to put so much effort for things that perish, I asked myself, would it be more logical to put just as much effort or even more for the food that endures?

I have seen many drama movies and can only watch it a few times, whereas after learning to appreciate Holy Mass, the drama of Calvary still captivates me. It took me so long to discover the miracle on Earth that is available every day at Daily Mass. This revelation prompted me to wake up earlier to go to Daily Mass before work. I found that by doing so, whatever mishaps or difficulties the day brings I have been given enough grace to endure and always remember what Jesus said, “No one can serve two Masters” (Matthew 6:24). Thankfully, the Master I have chosen has promised that “His yoke is easy, and burden light” (Matthew 11:30).

So, brothers and sisters let’s work harder for the food that endures and press forward to eternal life.

As we start our day, let’s always remember to pray the Our Father prayer.