Why does man not live on bread alone?
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4, citing Deut 8:3).
This passage of Scripture reminds us that men have a spiritual hunger that cannot be satisfied by material means. One can die for lack of bread, but one can also die because one has received bread alone. In a profound sense we are nourished by the one who has "the words of eternal life" (Jn 6:68) and a food that does not perish (Jn 6:27): the Holy Eucharist. (YOUCAT question 523)
What does it mean to say, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us"?
Merciful forgivenessthe mercy that we show to others and the mercy that we ourselves seekis indivisible. If we ourselves are not merciful and do not forgive one another, God's mercy will not reach our hearts.
Many people have a lifelong struggle with their inability to forgive. The deep blockade of being unreconciled is resolved only by looking to God, who adopted us "while we were yet sinners" (Rom 5:8). Because we have a kind Father, forgiveness and reconciliation in life are possible. (YOUCAT question 524)
Dig Deeper: CCC section (2835-2845) and other references here.
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