Readings for the Day:
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15:  A food crisis becomes a faith crisis for the Israelites in the wilderness.  The hungry people forget God’s saving work in the exodus, and they wish for the food they had in Egypt.  Nevertheless, God miraculously meets their needs, with manna for bread and quail for meal.

Ephesians 4:1-16:  Christians share fundamental unity and diversity.  Our unity consists in the one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.  Our diversity is expressed in various forms of ministry whose goal is equipping the saints and building up Christ’s one body.
John 6:24-35:  Many of the five thousand people Jesus fed in the wilderness continued to follow him throughout the countryside.  Jesus challenges them to consider the real nature of their quest.

 ‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’

Questions To Ponder:
1— What does the story of manna in the wilderness teach us about God? (Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15)
2—What do you think are the gifts that God has bestowed upon you? (Eph. 4:1-16)
3—How is Jesus offering you the bread of life, at this time in your life? (John 6:24-35)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?

Prayer:  O God, eternal goodness, immeasurable love, you place your gifts before us; we eat and are satisfied.  Fill us and this world in all its need with the life that comes only from you.   Amen.