²⁷” Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal. ³⁵ I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6

The crowd continued looking for Jesus. Maybe they were curious as to how Jesus got to the other side when his boat remained behind. Perhaps they were looking for more miracles. They were drawn to the gentle charisma of this man even though they were struggling to understand what he was saying. They were looking for a sign, missing the message. From our vantage point – 2,000 years later – we still struggle to grasp the message: “I am the bread of life.”

Jesus is the ultimate and only source of spiritual life, total sustenance, total satisfaction. So, listen when he says, “I am the Bread of Life,” I am your life. What a remarkable promise Jesus makes – eternal satisfaction, never hungry, never thirsty.

In a time and culture that strives to find satisfaction in food, and looks for fulfillment in temporal things, remember the promise here: Jesus gives you more. All of those things point you to the greatest blessing of all – the goodness and grace of God that is yours through Christ: his bread that gives life and never perishes, spoils, or fades – it’s all yours in the gospel. “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” Jesus is the Bread of Life…

What stood out for you in this reading?

News Update

Youth Retreat at Camp Artaban:The Diocese of New Westminster & DYM will host a youth retreat at Camp Artaban,  Gambier Island from Friday, August 23, 5:00 PM to Sunday, August 25, 3:00 PM. 

This retreat is open to youth aged 12-18 with activities including; Campfire, Beach and waterfront time, walks in the forest, shared meals, worship in the outdoor chapel, optional activities: Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, and archery!

The theme of the retreat, “Come & Journey,” draws inspiration from the lyrics of the late Herbert O’Driscoll’s hymn. Each session will focus on a different verse of the hymn, exploring its relevance to our faith journey and fostering a deeper connection with God and each other.

To Register: tinyurl.com/DYM2024ARTABAN

Anglican Foundation of Canada: This past spring marked a time of transition for the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC), as the Board of Directors said farewell to three longstanding Directors, who had each completed six years of service.

At its meeting in Edmonton this past May, the Board appointed newly elected Director the Rt. Rev. John Stephens, Bishop of New Westminster, as Vice-chair of AFC. Bishop John will replace the Most Rev. Anne Germond, Bishop of Algoma and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario, as Vice-chair and the elected bishop member on AFC’s Board. Archbishop Anne was first elected to the Board in 2018 and has served in various capacities, including as Chair of the Nominating Committee and the Grants Committee.