Elijah was depressed and downtrodden. In that state, he sat down under a tree and was fed by an Angel. In his moment of despair, he found the strength to go on by resting and eating.
Jesus reminds us that he is the true bread from heaven. Through that bread we find life eternal. We also find strength to go on.
As someone who has battled depression and despair on many occasions, it helps to be reminded that sometimes I just need to rest and eat. Not just physical rest and food, but spiritual rest and spiritual food. I must spend time in meditation and reflection on the Word (Jesus) and the sacraments he provides to give us strength and grace.
In doing this, I can also set aside all the bad things that Saint Paul says we need to do away with in order to not grieve the Holy Spirit. When we let bitterness and anger, hatred and bigotry to fill our hearts, we greatly grieve the Holy Spirit.
This week, let us remember to take time to pray and meditate on the Word, to rest and be fed in order that we may strengthen the good virtues of the Holy Spirit that live in us.
Pax et Bonum,
Bishop Greer