Psalm 111

Psalm 111:5 You gave food to those who fear you
           111: 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

In the desert, God gave manna to the Israelites who were hungry. He provided for their needs. Jesus, in the miracle of multiplying the bread, feed thousands who were in need. But there were more people who needed him. And Jesus did the ultimate, to feed us forever: he gave us his body. Jesus died on the cross so that those who fear the Lord could be nourished forever with the bread of the Eucharist.

It is important to remember that this “fear” is not terror. Not like you fear the monsters in the movie. No, “fear” here means reverent, respect, awe. The respect of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Until we have the respect for the creator of the world, we will not obtain wisdom. Godly wisdom comes from above, and is used is all parts of life. It helps us to see the world as God intended. But a without reverence for God, wisdom is nothing.

In life, we will have ups and downs. There are struggles. We turn to God asking for help because our souls are hungry. And God can basically say, “I gave you my son. In him you are fed.” Meaning, if we study his word, search Jesus’s teachings, seek wisdom, our soul will be filled. Jesus is the everlasting bread. We need to depend on God, coming to him for our daily needs, and trust that he will provide for us. He is our nourishment.

Give us this day our daily bread.