I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. In the Old Testament accounts of the miraculous provision of food, which we are currently hearing at Mass, we come today to that of Elijah. It is a gentle story, in which the Lord sympathises with his dispirited messenger, who is on the brink of abandoning both his mission and his life. The Lord comforts him, almost as one would a sulky child.

The Choir of Westminster Cathedral is recognised as one of the finest in the world, its principal focus being the daily celebration of the Divine Office and Solemn Mass. Choral Vespers on BBC R3. If you missed our live broadcast on 1 July, listen to it here. Full programmes for the series now available here.