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Fr. Ron's Ramblings

There's nothing quite like the smell of baking bread. Whether it's at home, or in a bakery, or even at Stop and Shop, it's an aroma that makes you pause; it's an aroma that warms your heart and tickles your taste buds; and it's an aroma that for some of us sparks memories.

When I was young my grandmother had a small apartment in our house and she would bake bread; and in her retirement years, in her own home, she would bake bread every week. My mother has taken that up in her retirement as well but I am not usually there to experience it like I did with my grandmother.

There is a world of difference between a mass produced loaf and one kneaded by someone who loves you. And it has little to do with technique or ingredients!

And that is the message of today's Gospel when Jesus tells us He is the Bread of Life. That bread is kneaded by His life and death and resurrection; it is Bread that is produced by Someone who loves you unconditionally and totally.

Bread is a staple of life – it is the rare home that doesn't have bread on hand. The Bread of Life is the staple of the spiritual life and it nourishes us every day and every week without fail.

We celebrate the Eucharist so often that it can easily become routine and even be taken for granted. Each year we hear St. John's Gospel tell us of the wonder and the mystery of this Sacrament. And it is an opportunity for us to appreciate anew the gift we are given each time we receive this Bread of Life.

So next time you get a whiff of this very unique and special aroma, stop to remember those who you love and those who love you – and remember especially the One who kneads the Bread of Life for you every day.