Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2018 – Grumbling in the Desert

Readings:  Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15; Psalm 78; Ephesians 4:17, 20-24; John 6:4-25

Grumbling usually indicates dissatisfaction with a missed expectation. What was the expectation of the Israelites when they escaped into the desert from Egypt? Were they expecting a military victory over Pharaoh’s chariots and charioteers and a triumphant procession into the Promised Land? Whatever their expectation might have been they were doomed to be unsatisfied in the desert. Expectations are, as it is said, ‘preplanned disappointment.’ The Israelites disappointment was realized when it became evident that they did not land immediately into the lap of luxury. This is not unlike the missed expectations in our lives. Whether it is the missed expectation in a new job, a new home, or just not having this week’s winning lottery ticket. And we grumble, “Will we ever catch a break?”

If what we mean by getting a “break” is the satisfaction that comes from power, comfort, or wealth the answer is, “no.” When we reflect we know deep down that as long as we seek fulfillment from earthly things, any satisfaction will only be temporary and momentary. The message to the camp followers of Jesus is the same conclusion that St. Augustine came to; “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” (Confessions – Saint Augustine of Hippo) Jesus is the only bread that will satisfy our humanity. This bread is more than mere words; it is faith in the person of Jesus. I believe that faith is a relationship with Jesus more than a creed I recite from rote memory. So what exactly is this bread come down from heaven?

From paragraph 1324 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, quoting Lumen Gentium, (The Dogmatic Constitution of the Church of the Vatican Council II), the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” Going deeper than dogma, however, what is the bread we share at Communion as it relates to our relationship with Jesus? Let us look to the scriptures. While on Earth, Jesus shared meals with an ever-broadening circle of people in new ways and in different places. He moved beyond the synagogue and Temple to homes and to deserted places. He included those who were oppressed or excluded from the system. It was/and is His real presence that exorcises demons, heals sickness, and repairs relationships. He came that we might all be one. (Cf John 17:21) He was inclusive as to who he ate with even when the presence of “sinners” was opposed by those of his tribe. As Jesus was insistent on keeping his table fellowship open, so too must we guard against exclusivity when coming together as the body of Christ. If it is truly the “the source and summit of the Christian life,” then it must be kept open and accessible to all persons of good will regardless of their station or status in life. How can we do this?

Remember what we say just before receiving Holy Communion, “Lord I am not worthy,” neither should we exclude others whom we judge to be unworthy. Like Jesus, we need to welcome sick (Mark 14:3), people of a bad reputation (Luke 7:36-37), and sinners (Luke 19:1-10). He didn’t please anybody, it seems, always breaking the rules and making a bigger table. Neither should we put the law before the welfare of people. This includes the refugees at our border, the inmates in our jails and prisons, and the homeless vagrants on our streets. If you don’t like to associate with those who are poorly clad, smelly, and on the street, then offer them a shower, a change of clothes and a place to live. I doubt that Jesus, a homeless man, would be judged presentable by our standards, in our churches, neighborhoods, and restaurants. Remember that we will be judged by the company we keep. Whose judgment are we most concerned about?

Here is a quote to end with…

The table of bread and wine is now to be made ready. It is the table of the company of Jesus, and all who love him. It is the table of sharing with the poor of the world, with whom Jesus identified himself. It is the table of communion with the earth, in which Christ became incarnate. So come to this table, you who have much faith and you who would like to have more; you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time; you who have tried to follow Jesus, and you who have failed; come. It is Christ who invites us to meet him here.  —An Invitation, Iona Abbey [1]

[1] Iona Abbey Worship Book (Wild Goose Publications: 2001),