The Judeans can’t see how Jesus could be “the bread that came down from heaven” since they know where he came from. In the same way, some Catholics have a hard time with the church’s teaching about war, the death penalty, and justice for immigrants.

The tangible world has it all over the metaphysical when it comes to grabbing our attention. Our five senses regularly feed us a constant stream of information about what’s going on and what’s worth our notice.

Judith, a recent immigrant to the United States, was desperate. She had a young daughter to care for, a job that barely covered the bills, and nowhere to turn for help.

So, food-wise, what is your guilty pleasure? What do you find yourself craving after a day when everything has gone wrong or after a blow up with a loved one, or upon hearing bad news that you can’t make better?

It is only through Jesus that we know God. We ask forgiveness for the times we have not heeded the Lord’s teaching and followed him.

Compassion, forgiveness, these are the real, ultimate sources of power for peace and success in life.