My Dear People, 

In this passage, Jesus moves from talking about Himself in a general way as the “Bread of Life” to suggesting specific applications of the gift of Himself in the Eucharist. The language becomes increasingly serious and specific. In verse 53, Jesus introduces the idea of “drinking his blood,” which has no basis in the story of the manna (Exodus 16) that has dominated discussions up to this point. The only reason for introducing this image of “blood drinking” is that Jesus is now moving the discussion toward the gift of His body and His blood present in the Eucharist. Jesus also begins to use specific and graphic language. Starting with verse 54 (“Whoever eats my flesh”) Jesus switches from the general word for “eat” (Greek, phago) to the word for “chew” (Greek, trogo). It is literally, “Unless you chew….”  grotesque, especially for the crowds who do not know how these words would be fulfilled.  

We can see that Jesus is not trying to win over the people by giving them easy words and attractive promises. He is testing their faith, seeing if they will trust Him enough to accept  “harsh sayings” (John 6:60). Most will not accept it, but Jesus knew that from the beginning—this crowd only came to have their bellies filled, and Jesus pointed that out several verses earlier. This crowd, interested only in physical satisfaction, has become a distraction in Jesus’s ministry. 

“Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Jesus offers His body as a kind of new fruit of the tree of life, as well as a new Feast of Wisdom because it is a Feast of Love. Love is the highest wisdom and surpasses wisdom itself (see 1 Cor. 13). In the Eucharist, our Lord demonstrates the example of “giving up His life for us, His friend.” This is the greatest love—not to cling to our life, but to give it in love. While still clinging to life, we cannot have any joy in the midst of suffering. It is only in becoming Eucharistic people and freely giving of our lives, that we begin to experience joy, freedom, and thanksgiving,  properly enjoyed by those united to Christ.

It is important when we receive the Eucharist that we patiently spend time with the Lord in Thanksgiving. Jesus is physically present within us. We should do the utmost to make this time special and not think of any distractions. It is a great insult to the Lord if one leaves the church immediately after Communion and does not properly give thanks to the Lord.   

It is, indeed, a very special time, and we should hold the dear Lord reverently to our hearts. At this time, He is more precious than any other planned activities. 

[Passages taken from Reflection on the Readings for year B by John Bergsma]

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vincent Clemente