United States Conference of Secular institutes

USCSI REFLECTIONS

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

John 6:24-35

Today’s gospel presents the contrast between popular religion and true Christianity. Popular religion looks upon Jesus as an easy answer to immediate needs as we see in the people in this gospel. True Christianity is quite different.  It begins with a basic humility that acknowledges our dependence upon God for everything. He is the giver of life and the provider of all that is necessary to sustain it. We are dependent upon God for every beat of our hearts, for the air we breathe, for the water we drink, for the food we eat. But we are also accountable to him for what we do with this life he has given us.