What Have You Chosen?

Gospel Reflection for April 15, 2024

“The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’ Jesus answered them and said, ‘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. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.’ So they said to him, ‘What can we do to accomplish the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.’” (John 6:22-29 NABRE)

Today’s Gospel causes us to pause and ask ourselves, “what am I working for?” Whatever our hearts, minds, and souls are most prominently directed towards is what we have chosen to work for.

Jesus calls us today to examine our minds and hearts and asks us to honestly think about whether we are living for Him, or for the world and ourselves.

If we are constantly preoccupied with worldly obligations, such that we leave no room or time for a true relationship with God, we have chosen to serve that which perishes. Of course, we have responsibilities to fulfill. However, our relationship with God is also a responsibility, and if we do not prioritize Him, then it is clear that we have chosen the things of this temporary life over Him.

However, if we keep our hearts and minds centered on God throughout each and every day, and if we set time aside to pray and talk with the Lord, and if we seek to truly grow in union with Him, then we have chosen to serve that which is eternal. If we keep God first, and prioritize Him above our other worldly obligations, we have chosen eternal life with Jesus.

May we heed the Lord’s message and choose eternal life! May we never put the things of this passing world before our Lord and Savior. Rather, we must always keep Him first, remembering that nothing matters more than Jesus and our relationship with Him.