Thoughts on Sunday's Gospel

JN 6:51-58

Jesus' words in today's Gospel are some of the most troubling and the most encouraging. From the time the Jews heard his words until today, people struggle to understand what he meant by saying that those who followed him needed to eat his flesh and to drink his blood. These words are at the root of many attacks on the faithful, accusations of cannibalism. Rather than wrestle with is words, it is often easier to simply assert that Jesus was merely speaking figuratively.

But if he was speaking literally, he is offering us the opportunity to live forever by receiving his very self. "This is my body...This is my blood" Can it really be true that our salvation lies in these words? Can he really be offering us his very life and, through him, the life of the Father?

As I said, the implication of these words can be troublesome for those who do not believe, but for those who believe - these words offer the fulfillment of everything we have ever hoped for. They offer eternal life.