“Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (John 6:27)

Jesus reminded those who came from far away, do not be content just because “you ate the loaves and were filled.” In fact, Jesus performed the miracle of bread multiplication, which is mainly a prelude to the establishment of the sacrament of Eucharist.

Jesus used the same word “Work” to remind Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Jesus did not deny the importance of working hard, but we also need to pay attention to the health of our heart and soul. During Jesus’ missionary work, he left the crowd for most of the time and retreated to pray in a quiet place. This time, after he performed the miracle of bread multiplication, he retreated to the mountain alone. Needless to say, his prayer is to reaffirm the mission given by his heavenly father: the sacrifice at Mount Calvary.

We hope the greatest glory be to God, no matter whether our love is given to God or others. Aside from this, there is no other purpose. The reason that Jesus established the sacrament of Eucharist is to enable our human life to share the divine life of God. As St, Paul said, “Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.”

Jesus gave us explicit instructions, “For the food that endures for eternal life” means that it is not sufficient to match up God’ will passively but we need to live out His will progressively.