Early on in his ministry Jesus told Peter and Andrew, “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19). When he met James and John and Matthew, he issued the same invitation, and they all followed him as well. And while we are at Mass, Jesus also asks us to come and follow him.

The call to follow Jesus often conjures up images of giving up our lives, and to a degree this is right. But if we think only in terms of “giving something up,” we are missing out on the bigger picture. When Jesus says, “Come follow me,” he is focusing far less on what it will cost us than on what we will receive. Where we read a challenge, or even a threat, Jesus is issuing us a gracious invitation!

So when we come, what will we receive? What are the “privileges” of acceptance? Today’s first reading from Isaiah lists some of them. With images of fresh, clean water and rich milk and honey, the prophet paints a picture of satisfaction and fulfillment. And what can be more satisfying and fulfilling than intimacy with Jesus? Having washed away our sins, he now gives us his living bread to eat—a bread that fills every hunger we could ever know.

When Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes and gave them to everyone, it was he who took the initiative and issued the invitation. The people who ate had a sense of what accepting his invitation could mean because they were satisfied—so much so that the leftovers filled twelve baskets!

Brothers , these people’s satisfaction was a mere foreshadowing of the satisfaction that is available to us at Mass. They were invited to eat earthly bread, but we are invited to eat the bread of eternal life. When you receive the Eucharist, accept Jesus’ invitation. Come as you are. Come freely. Come hungry. Come with expectation. Come and watch Jesus satisfy your deepest needs. Come and enjoy. It’s God’s free gift to us.

“Lord Jesus, you are the Bread of Life. You are the food for my spirit. Help me to empty myself so that I can be filled with you. Jesus, I want to follow you!”