The “I Am The Bread Of Life” hymn is one of the most popular and beloved hymns in Christian worship. It is a simple yet powerful hymn that speaks of Jesus as the “Bread of Life” and how He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.
The Origin of the Hymn
The hymn was written by Suzanne Toolan, RSM, a Catholic nun and composer. She wrote the hymn in 1966 while she was a music teacher at the Mercy High School in Burlingame, California. She was inspired to write the hymn while reflecting on the gospel reading of John 6:35 where Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”
The Lyrics of the Hymn
The lyrics of the hymn are simple yet profound. It speaks of Jesus’ love and how He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Here are the lyrics:
I am the Bread of life
He who comes to Me shall not hunger
He who believes in Me shall not thirst
No one can come to Me
Unless the Father draw him
And I will raise him up
And I will raise him up
And I will raise him up on the last day
The bread that I will give
Is My flesh for the life of the world
And he who eats of this bread
He shall live forever
He shall live forever
The Meaning of the Hymn
The hymn speaks of Jesus as the “Bread of Life”. This means that Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. We may try to find satisfaction in other things such as wealth, power, or fame, but only Jesus can truly satisfy us.
The hymn also speaks of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, where we receive the body and blood of Christ. When we partake of the Eucharist, we are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and how He gave His life for us. Through the Eucharist, we are nourished and strengthened to live our daily lives in accordance with God’s will.
The Significance of the Hymn
The “I Am The Bread Of Life” hymn is significant because it reminds us of Jesus’ love for us and how He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. It also reminds us of the importance of the Eucharist or Holy Communion, where we are nourished and strengthened to live our daily lives in accordance with God’s will.
Moreover, the hymn has become a popular choice for funerals and memorial services as it offers comfort and hope to those who have lost loved ones. It reminds us that Jesus is the source of our hope and that He has promised to raise us up on the last day.
The Impact of the Hymn
The “I Am The Bread Of Life” hymn has had a profound impact on Christian worship and has become a beloved hymn for many. Its simple yet profound lyrics have touched the hearts of countless people and have offered comfort and hope in times of sorrow and pain.
Moreover, the hymn has been recorded by various artists and has been translated into different languages, making it accessible to people all over the world. Its impact continues to be felt to this day, as it offers a message of hope and love that transcends time and culture.
Conclusion
The “I Am The Bread Of Life” hymn is a simple yet powerful hymn that speaks of Jesus’ love for us and how He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Its impact has been felt by countless people all over the world and it continues to offer comfort and hope in times of sorrow and pain.
