"Bread," "hunger", "life", - such powerful images. Perhaps, if we have never known the pain of hunger or thirst, never gone without food or water for long periods, the words of Christ may not seem so radical. Although it is hard to imagine a hunger of the physical kind, it is also true that none of us are immune from the hunger that is of the emotional, the psychological and even the spiritual kind. If this is so, then Jesus' words are a harbinger of true consolation, "He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst." If we sincerely search the depths of our hearts, we will often discover a gnawing emptiness that can never be filled even with the satisfaction of all our human wants and needs. Rather, that seeking for the true 'bread of life', the real food that can satisfy this deepest want, we look for inadequate substitutes in the form of acquisitions, power and even popularity. These may provide temporary relief but they constantly fall short of our expectations. We always end up wanting more. We soon realise that the hunger of the human situation is ended only when we know Christ and through Him know God. Our hunger is satiated only when we are able to partake of the life of Christ, and through Him partake of life-giving communion with God. The restless soul is at rest; the hungry heart is at rest. That is eternal life.