When the word ‘hopeful’ doesn’t suffice

A Reflection for Thursday of the Third Week of Easter

Find today’s readings here.

Jesus had a gift for storytelling. Through his words and parables, he was able to communicate ideas using language accessible to all people. 

Today, he shares a concept central to our faith: belief in God will lead to eternal life. By introducing the notion of a “living bread,” Jesus has taken something we all know–bread–and turned it into something more than we ever thought it could be.

Jesus is, of course, not speaking to a type of bread that will promote immortality here on Earth. He is illustrating the idea that there are things in this life that can nourish and sustain us more deeply than what we currently know. 

I’m reminded of a sentiment shared by our Editor in Chief, Fr. Sam Sawyer, SJ, last week at a panel event hosted by America at Boston College. In a discussion on vocation in tune with the Jesuit theme of “setting the world on fire,” he spoke about how one can truly discern a calling. Whether that vocation comes in the form of a job, a relationship, a call to religious life or a whole host of other things—he shared that no path will be without struggle. But if something is truly what God intended for you, it will also make you happier than you could have ever imagined.

“Hopeful” doesn’t even feel appropriate enough of a word to describe this sentiment. The understanding that there are people, professions and journeys that will bring us joy, comfort and purpose beyond our current comprehension… truly feels like a realization of Jesus’ promise of eternal life.