One must spend some time in a desert like Sinai, surrounded by the barrenness of rocks and sand, in order to appreciate more fully God's loving and providential care of his Chosen People. In the desert there was no source of food or drink. Humanly speaking, survival was impossible. The Israelites had to depend totally on God's providential love. God did not abandon them. He fed them miraculously with manna and quail. Likewise by his divine power he supplied them with water when there was no natural source of water.

The history of God's providential care and the miraculous means he used to supply all the needs of his people were an ideal preparation for the gift of the Holy Eucharist to come centuries later. Just as the Israelites had to have faith and trust in God, so Jesus asked for faith in himself when he was about to give us the gift of himself hidden under the species of bread and wine.

Like the Israelites, we are wandering through the desert of life in this land of exile. We are on our pilgrimage to the Promised Land–our union with our loving Father for all eternity.

The Bread Of Life
David E. Rosage

Reprinted from , a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love.