The Bread of Life

21 Italian students accompanied by 2 lady teachers arrived yesterday. Today, we had a reception in the Home Economics Room for them. We ordered pizza and prepared fresh fruits, salad and red bean soup to treat them. They preferred fresh fruits and did not like the starchy texture of the red bean soup. I brought along a bottle of red wine. The Italian students gratefully declined whereas our S6 students enjoyed a cup. The Italian students are more disciplined. After lunch, they visited the Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai. When school ended today, I saw them playing soccer with our students. Young people mix easily despite cultural differences.

On my way home on the LRT, I met one of them with the host family, mother and daughter. I greeted them without further ado, leaving them room for interaction. My impression was that the mother was more eager and active to speak with the Italian student. I am afraid the mother benefits more than her daughter. I hope the younger ones will take more initiative to interact and benefit more.

Jesus said,
I am the bread of life. Ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς. (John 6:48).
Further on, he said,
I am the living bread ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ζῶν which came down from heaven ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς·; if any one eats of this bread ἐάν τις φάγῃ ἐκ τούτου τοῦ ἄρτου, he will live for ever ζήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα (John 6:51a).

My sweet Jesus, I thank You for Your mercy. You came down from heaven so that we may live forever. May I eagerly take the initiative to interact with You, through reading the gospel and receiving the Blessed Sacrament. Unlike the young people who mix so easily, I find myself unworthy to receive You. I understand that You have taken the trouble to come to me, to shorten our distance, to offer me chances of reconciliation. Grant me the courage to emerge from my comfort zone to embrace my cross. My cross is Your blessing in disguise to actualize my potentials. May this cross cleanse me of my weaknesses so that my feeble legs may carry me on in my remaining days. Amen.