The following Collect (prayer) is appointed for this Sunday: “Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.”

Growing up in an Italian family was a wonderful experience, filled with traditions, family gatherings, and a rich heritage. It also meant enjoying a variety of Italian foods, including one of my personal favorites: pepperoni bread. While many of you have likely tried various Italian dishes, have you ever tasted a slice of freshly baked pepperoni bread? Until recently, this culinary delight was one of my mother's specialties. I'm sure you can imagine the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked bread that filled our home, enticing me as I eagerly waited for the moment I would sink my teeth into a slice of that fresh pepperoni bread. 

I don’t eat pepperoni bread as often as I used to, and my mother can’t bake it alone anymore. As a result, she doesn’t prepare it as frequently. However, whenever we do bake it together, I always save a few loaves to take home for Cathy and me. Once those loaves are through the front door, it doesn't take long for us to devour a few slices of warmed pepperoni bread. Despite however many slices of Mom’s pepperoni bread I indulge in, I'm never fully satisfied.

In John 6:35, 51, Jesus said: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry… whoever eats this bread will live forever.” By identifying Himself as bread, Jesus conveys that He is the vital source of life, both now and for eternity. When He declares, “I am,” He underscores His sufficiency and ability to meet all our needs, here and in the next life. Thus, He advises us not to focus too much on seeking food that spoils or fails to fully satisfy—even if it is as enticing as homemade pepperoni bread—but rather on food that leads to eternal life” (John 6:27, NIV). 

No matter your hunger, true physical and spiritual strength is found in Jesus. He possesses the provision and power to fulfill every need. Thus, let us turn to Jesus as our ultimate source of satisfaction.