Are our priorities in line with our spiritual journey?
The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time brings us into an examination of our
spiritual journey and priorities. Today’s readings from the Book of Exodus and
the Gospel of St. John are powerful reminders of our human tendencies as well
as the divine invitation to seek what nourishes us eternally. This divine invitation
is a guiding light, reassuring us that we are not alone in our spiritual journey but
always under the loving guidance of our Lord.In the first reading from Exodus, the Israelites are grumbling about their lack
of food in the desert. Their complaints lead them to recall their time in Egypt
where, despite being enslaved, they at least had food. This longing for the past,
even one filled with hardship, is a typical human response to uncertainty and
discomfort. The Israelites’ complaint isn’t just about hunger but also about a lack
of trust in God’s providence. Their journey under God’s guidance was meant to
teach them to trust in divine provision. Yet, their fear and worry blinds them to the
larger picture of liberation and the promise that God is unfolding.In the Gospel of John, we see a similar theme of misplaced priorities. The
crowd seeks Jesus not because of the signs He performed but because He fed
them. Jesus’ response is a call to shift focus: “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.” He challenges them and us to seek, not perishable food, but the
spiritual food that brings eternal life.In our society, we put much effort and energy into the temporal: career
advancement, possessions, and social status, essentially, the “food that lasts
only for a time.” While not inherently wrong, these pursuits cause us to neglect
our spiritual nourishment. Jesus’ words urge us to shift our focus to the “food that
endures to eternal life,” found in Him, and to living according to His teachings.Like the Israelites, are we longing for the security of the known past, even if it
means spiritual inactivity? Like the crowd, are we seeking Jesus for what He can
provide us with now rather than for the eternal life He offers? To work for the
food that endures means investing in our relationship with God: embracing the
sacraments, engaging in prayer, and living out the Gospel. It’s a journey of hope
and inspiration that promises a life of transformation – a testament to the power
faith can bring into our lives.Dear brothers and sisters, as we reflect on this Sunday’s readings, let us ask
for the grace to prioritize our spiritual nourishment, to trust in God’s guidance,
and to seek the eternal food that only Christ provides. Let the Word of God
inspire us, moving us from the desert of doubt and fear to the promised land of
faith and eternal life.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor