Seeing is believing.  How often we hear that familiar cliché.  We use clichés to express a point when in fact a cliché by its very nature and overuse no longer has rich meaning.

In today’s gospel from John, the crowd asks Jesus “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you?  What can you do?....”  Jesus does not fall into the “seeing is believing” trap but rather uses the example of manna from heaven as a way to explain that he, Jesus, is the bread of life.  The crowd then asks for this bread always and Jesus responds with the words that have provided so much comfort: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

The cliché seeing in believing is a recurrent theme during this Covid 19 pandemic.  Our global community is battling an enemy we cannot see.  The rhythm of our lives and the roles we assumed have been suddenly suspended.  This pandemic shows us the harsh reality of economic, social and climate injustices.  As we hear predictions and recommendations we just want to be shown the one right answer. 

Today I pray that I can always remember that Jesus is my bread of life.  I pray for compassion for myself when my fears about losing job security, food availability and social connections get in the way of being present to serve the kingdom of God.  I ask to be reminded of my gift of curiosity and to use that gift to be comfortable with the mystery of the future.  I pray that we all remember that whoever comes to Jesus will never hunger and whoever believes in Jesus will never thirst.

A reimagined “seeing is believing” is this verse from Psalms

Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.