What does 'preparing victuals' mean in a spiritual context?

'Preparing victuals' in the biblical narrative signifies the importance of spiritual nourishment for the journey ahead. Just as the Israelites were instructed to gather food for their passage over the Jordan, Christians are called to spiritually prepare themselves through faith in Christ. This preparation involves grounding oneself in the truths of Scripture, partaking in the sacraments, and meditating on Christ's sacrifice. Jesus emphasizes this point in John 6, where He speaks about being the Bread of Life, indicating that true sustenance comes from Him. Therefore, believers are encouraged to feed on the Word of God and hold fast to their faith, which equips them for the challenges of life and the ultimate crossing into eternity.