The Only Thing God Doesn't Know

Among ancient warring Anglo-Saxons, the guarding of the community's bread supply from enemy pilfering was critical to survival. That "hlaf-weard" or "load ward" was a trusted "loaf-keeper". The term was contracted to "hlaford," and in Middle English, evolved into "laferd," "loverd," and finally into a later English word "lord" - a master of household supplies. It was then enobled as the English translation of the Latin "dominus."

It is perhaps more providential thatn coincidental that Jesus, who acknowledged for himslelf the titls "Lord" (see John 13:13), was born in Bethlehem, which means the House of Bread. He who taight us to ask for our daily bread acted as teh divint" loaf-keeper," even multipying five loaves to feed five thousane, and using the occasion to urge us to seek a far better bread that he would provide - one that endures to eternal life. In that same chapter, he referred to his very self as the "bread of God" (Jn 13:33), and repeated as the bread of life: "This bread is my flesh which i will give for the life of the world" (v.51).

"There is only one thing God doesn't know," teased St. Augustine. "He does not know how he could give us a gift greater than himself - and he has gives us himself as bread in the Holy Eucharist." The thought-provoking insight should entice us to yearn for thie "Bread of God" with the hunger-prayer of that early audience: "Lord, give us this bread always." (Jn 6:34, RSV).

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net