Holy Stuff

Comedian George Carlin’s hilarious routine on “Stuff ” reminds us of how easy it is to have our lives ruined by too much “stuff.”

In the First Reading, the Israelites want to go back to their “stuff ” in Egypt even though it was killing them.

In the Gospel, the crowds also want Jesus to give them more “stuff ” after he fed with a few fish and loaves of bread.

Everyone wants more “stuff ” because we believe “stuff ” is what makes us feel safe and secure. We want to be sure that we matter. But such “stuff ” always disappoints us and finally kills us.

God feeds the Israelites a different “stuff,” a HOLY STUFF, manna, to sustain them in the wilderness.

Jesus likewise feeds the crowds a different “stuff.” The bread and fish that filled their stomachs were signs pointing them to the truly HOLY STUFF, “the bread from heaven,” Jesus.

This HOLY STUFF satisfies them (and us) like no other “stuff ” in this world.

Jesus is the HOLY STUFF. He is “the bread of life.” that satisfies our deepest hungers. We will never again hunger and thirst for lives that matter or not be safe and secure.

Our lives change. We live not to accumulate more “stuff ” but to use our “stuff ” to serve others.