Hello friends,
This is Mark Gladman,
Also known as Brother Frederick James,
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Monk in Docs,
Welcoming you to this special series of Lenten Reflections called I Am.
And over the next few weeks leading up to Easter we're going to reflect on Jesus' I Am statements found in the Gospel of John and each day go a little bit deeper into each one and contemplate what they might mean in the context of Easter.
And so as we begin I invite you to take a moment to settle into a place of stillness,
Gently close your eyes if you feel comfortable or if you're able,
And take a deep breath in and out.
Let yourself arrive fully in this moment.
Breathe in again slowly and release and with each breath let go of any distractions or worries that you carried into this space.
Feel the presence of God surrounding you,
Like a gentle embrace.
And listen to these words from Jesus,
Spoken to those who had followed him after he miraculously fed the 5,
000.
Very truly I tell you,
You are looking for me,
Not because you saw the signs I performed,
But because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
Do not work for the food that perishes,
But for the food that endures for eternal life,
Which the Son of Man will give you.
Pause for a moment and as I read that passage again let the words sink in.
Jesus said,
Very truly I tell you,
You are looking for me,
Not because you saw the signs I performed,
But because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
Do not work for the food that perishes,
But for the food that endures for eternal life,
Which the Son of Man will give you.
Jesus is drawing our attention to something deeper.
Jesus knows how easily we chase after things that satisfy only for a moment,
Things that perish.
What are the foods,
And in your mind put that word foods in inverted commas,
What are the foods in your life that leave you unsatisfied?
The things you work for,
The things you worry about,
The things you strive after only to find that they don't bring lasting peace.
Maybe it's success,
Approval,
Comfort or security.
Maybe it's the constant busyness that makes you feel important,
But simply leaves you exhausted.
Let me ask you a question today.
What do you hunger for?
Deep,
Deep down in your soul,
What do you hunger for?
Not just momentary relief,
But true,
Eternal nourishment.
Take a breath in and out.
And just for a moment,
Simply be with this question.
What do you hunger for?
And you standing before Jesus.
As he speaks these words to you.
He looks at you with love.
He looks at you with understanding.
He knows your hunger.
He knows what you need.
He says,
I am the bread of life.
Allow yourself to sit in silence and listen.
Let Jesus the bread of life speak into your hunger.
As we close this time,
Let's together offer a simple prayer of surrender.
Jesus,
I hunger for what truly lasts.
Help me to seek the nourishment that only you can give.
Fill me with the food that endures for eternal life.
I trust you to be my daily bread.
Take one last deep breath in.
And as you breathe out,
Slowly open your eyes.
And carry this awareness with you as you go.
Knowing that Christ is always offering you what your soul truly needs.
Until tomorrow.
Peace be with you,
My friend.
