Does Jesus sound a bit harsh? Was he condemning the people pursuing him because they wanted more bread and fish. Or was he challenging them to understand what he had done for them and what he was trying to teach them? We heard in recent Gospel passages that Jesus felt sorry for them and described them as “sheep without a shepherd” because they were burdened with strict religious laws about food, sanitation, and worship and had been taught that God was vengeful, or at least, excessively demanding. Jesus understood that they feared God more than loved Him. He taught them that God loved them and wanted them to enjoy all that God had given them, and to share what they had with others. Jesus knew it would take time for them to accept the concept of a loving God. When they asked Jesus how to “accomplish the works of God” he taught them to “believe in the one He sent” – to believe in him and imitate him. Do we believe in Jesus? Do we believe in a God who loves us? Do we act as though we believe?
