Manna from Heaven

Homily for Wednesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

The Bible is filled with stories that inspire faith in God's providence. One such story is the miraculous provision of manna from heaven, a form of spiritual food that sustained the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the wilderness. This angelic bread, often called heaven's manna, symbolizes God's care and provision. Manna appeared as a provision for the Israelites during a time when they could not farm because they had not yet come to the land that was to be theirs. God was teaching and purifying the people; readying them for their land of Promise. Until they were ready to set foot in a new season of promise, this time of purification required His provision for their earthly needs in unique ways.

The provision of manna from heaven was not just about physical sustenance. It was also a form of spiritual food, a daily reminder of God's constant presence and care. The Israelites were instructed to gather just enough manna for each day, a lesson in trust and dependence on God for their daily needs.

The manna from heaven also served as a test of obedience. The Israelites were commanded not to keep any of it until morning, except on the sixth day of the week when they were to gather twice as much in preparation for the Sabbath when no manna would appear (Exodus 16:19-26). Those who disobeyed found that the manna rotted and became infested with worms.

The theme of manna as spiritual food continues in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to himself as the "bread of life" and the true manna from heaven. He says, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven." In this context, Jesus is the ultimate spiritual food, offering eternal life to those who believe in him. Just as the manna sustained the Israelites in the wilderness, Jesus, the bread of life, sustains believers on their spiritual journey.

The story of manna from heaven in the Bible is a powerful reminder of God's physical and spiritual provision. It teaches us to trust in God's provision, to seek spiritual nourishment, and to obey God's commands. Whether we call it spiritual food, angelic bread, or heaven's manna, its lessons are timeless and relevant to our lives today.

The Eucharist is our bread from heaven, our spiritual provision. The story of the Israelites in the desert is a proleptic story of God providing for us with the Bread of Life.