My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord, my God.--Psalm 63:2
Mass readings: Exodus 16:1-5,9-15 / John 20:1-2,11-18
In an episode of ''Antiques Roadshow,'' a woman brought a strange, unidentified object for appraisal, a flea market find her dad had purchased for practically nothing. Almost embarrassed to ask its value, the woman was shocked to discover it was a rare Eskimo hunting helmet worth $75,000!
In today's first reading, when the Israelites trudged through the desert, begging for food, God rained down sustenance for them. ''Manna?'' they asked each other, the word in their native tongue meaning, ''What is it?'' To their surprise, it was the nutritional miracle needed for their journey. Today, some approach the Eucharist nonchalantly -- oblivious of its value. But, like the woman with the Eskimo helmet and the ancient Israelites, we'd do well to ponder, ''What is it?'' and, with newfound amazement, discover Jesus, the Bread of Life.
Prayer: Father, stir our dulled hearts to better discern our extraordinary Savior in the Communion wafer.