Whoever eats my flesh
and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.
Just as the living Father
sent me and I have life
because of the Father,
so also the one who feeds on me
will have life because of me.
(John 6:56-57)
Background
John 6:52-59 is a part of the New Testament in the Bible and it describes a discourse by Jesus about the significance of faith in Him. Here’s some background information:
Setting: This discourse took place at the synagogue in Capernaum during a Sabbath service. Jewish leaders from Jerusalem were also part of the crowd.
The Bread of Life Discourse: Prior to these verses, Jesus had performed the miracle of feeding the 5000 and walked on water. He then began a discourse known as the “Bread of Life” discourse, where He identified Himself as the “bread of life” and spoke about the importance of faith in Him for eternal life.
The Flesh and Blood of the Son of Man: In John 6:52-59, Jesus made a profound statement that His flesh and blood are true food and drink. This was a metaphorical way to express the necessity of accepting His sacrifice on the cross for salvation. The flesh and blood denote the Redeemer in the nature of man; Christ and Him crucified, and the redemption wrought out by Him.
Reaction of the Jews: The Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?". This statement was difficult for them to understand and accept.
Influence of Heresies: The emphasis on the physical nature of His body in John 6:53 might have been, in part, to counter the Docetic and Gnostic heresies, which considered flesh to be evil and denied that Christ could have a physical body.
This passage is a key part of the Gospel of John, highlighting the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Learning Lessons
John 6:52-59 offers several important spiritual lessons:
Belief in Jesus: The passage emphasizes the importance of believing in Jesus Christ for eternal life. It teaches us that faith in Jesus is essential for spiritual nourishment and eternal life.
The Sacrament of Communion: Jesus’ words about eating His flesh and drinking His blood can be seen as a reference to the sacrament of Communion or the Eucharist, which is a central part of Christian worship in many denominations. This sacrament is a way for believers to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to spiritually partake in His body and blood.
Jesus’ Sacrifice: The passage underscores the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. His reference to His flesh and blood as true food and drink symbolizes His self-giving sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
Misunderstanding Spiritual Truths: The Jews’ reaction to Jesus’ words shows how easy it is to misunderstand spiritual truths when they are interpreted in a purely literal sense. This teaches us the importance of seeking spiritual discernment.
Jesus as the Source of Life: Jesus’ statement that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood abide in Him, and He in them, underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers. It teaches us that Jesus is the source of spiritual life and sustenance.
These lessons remind us of the centrality of faith in Jesus, the significance of His sacrifice, the importance of spiritual discernment, and the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers.
In the realm where spiritual rivers flow,
Jesus, the source, makes life's garden grow.
Faith in Him, a vital seed,
For spiritual nourishment, it's all we need.
His flesh and blood, true food and drink,
A symbol profound, makes us think.
His self-giving sacrifice, so grand,
For humanity's salvation, He took a stand.
Centrality of faith, in Jesus we find,
Significance of His sacrifice, in our mind.
Spiritual discernment, a guiding light,
Helps us navigate through the night.
An intimate relationship, a divine connection,
Between Jesus and His followers, in reflection.
These lessons remind us, in every hour,
Of His love, His grace, His power.
Dear Lord Jesus,
You are the source of spiritual life and sustenance. In you, we find our existence and essence. Faith in you is our spiritual nourishment, in your love, we find encouragement and enrichment.
Your flesh and blood, true food and drink, symbolize your self-giving sacrifice, making us think. For the salvation of humanity, you gave your all, in awe of your love, we humbly fall. These lessons remind us of faith's centrality, in you, Jesus, lies our reality. The significance of your sacrifice, so profound, in your teachings, wisdom is found.
Spiritual discernment, a precious gift, helps our spirits to uplift. The intimate relationship between you and us, in Your promise, we place our trust. In Your holy name, we pray, guide us, Lord Jesus, each and every day.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
THE BREAD OF LIFE DISCOURSE
John 6:51-59
Gospel Acclamation
Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood, remains in me and I in him, says the Lord.
Gospel | John 6:52-59
52 The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” 53 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. 54 Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. 55 For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. 56 Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 59 These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
