Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
This passage follows on John’s account of the multiplication of the leaves and Jesus’ walking on the sea. The people are looking for Jesus. They have searched locally for him without fining him. For some reason, they decide he must have returned “home” and recrossed the sea. They find him. We pick up the story here.
Why were the people looking for Jesus? They had wanted to make Jesus king right after the feeding of the crowd, but Jesus would not allow it. Did they still want to make him king as they had the day before? They, however, seemed to want a king who could guarantee food for them, throw off the Roman rule and restore sovereignty and independence to Israel. What they wanted, Jesus did not want.
Jesus accused them of following himself for the banqueting that would come to them. Jesus as king would not overthrow Roman rule nor gain national independence. Jesus would overthrow Satan and all the works of sin. He would grant eternal life. He would be a king of justice love and peace. He would establish a kingdom where the rich would feed the poor, where the powerful would serve the needy. Jesus would be a king who would do the works of God and lead others to do the same.
Then the people ask how to accomplish the works of God. The answer Jesus gave them first of all is that they should believe in him, the one whom God sent.
This believing means to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. It is to accept Jesus as a true agent of God. It is to love him, walk with him, take guidance from him, and let him take possession of our lives. Are we ready for this?