Reflection Date: April 21, 2026 | Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Memorial of Saint Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church
Daily Readings: Acts 7:51—8:1a; John 6:30-35
Children of God:
When was the last time you have eaten pretzels?
It is a simple snack, often twisted in a unique shape with three holes.
But behind this familiar food is a meaningful story from Christian tradition.
It is said that a monk once created this bread as a reward for children who were learning their prayers.
The shape resembled arms crossed in prayer, reminding them of devotion and discipline.
The three holes in the pretzel were said to represent the Holy Trinity.
In this way, even a small snack carried a spiritual message.
It became not just food for the body but also a reminder of faith.
The children were encouraged not only to eat but also to grow in their understanding of God.
Even today, this story reminds us that nourishment can go beyond the physical.
In the gospel of John, the crowd asked Jesus for a sign, comparing him to Moses who gave manna in the desert.
They were still thinking about physical bread.
But Jesus shifted their attention to something greater, something that truly satisfies the deepest hunger of the human heart.
What are our inspirations for today?
First, we often seek what satisfies temporarily instead of what gives lasting life.
The people who followed Jesus remembered the manna given in the desert.
For them, it was a sign of God’s provision, and they hoped for something similar again.
Their focus was still on material needs.
Jesus clarified that the real gift was not just food but something far greater.
In our lives, we also look for things that satisfy us in the moment.
We seek comfort, success, or recognition, thinking they will fulfill us.
But these are temporary.
Jesus invites us to look beyond these and seek what truly gives life and meaning.
Second, Jesus himself is the bread that nourishes our deepest hunger.
Jesus revealed that he was not just a provider of bread but the bread itself.
This was a powerful and challenging message for those who listened.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35).
He offered himself as the source of true and lasting satisfaction.
In our daily lives, this means that our deepest needs are met in a relationship with Christ.
When we come to him, we find not only provision but also purpose, peace, and direction.
He nourishes us in ways that nothing else can.
We can reflect on these questions in our hearts. What do I usually seek to satisfy my needs and desires?
Do I recognize Jesus as the one who truly nourishes my life? And how can I deepen my relationship with him so that I may experience lasting fulfillment?
Children of God:
The story of the pretzel reminds us that even the simplest things can carry a deeper meaning.
In the same way, the bread that Jesus speaks of is not just ordinary food but a sign of something greater.
He invites us to look beyond what is temporary and to seek what is eternal.
As we continue our journey, we are called to choose what truly nourishes us.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
