St James Catholic Church

If it seems as if we’ve been hearing about Jesus as the Bread of Life for a few weeks now, you’re absolutely right. John obviously thought that this teaching was quite important. Perhaps not coincidentally, John is the only evangelist who doesn’t write about Jesus offering his Body and Blood at the Last Supper. This chapter takes its place. Keep in mind that this lecture to his disciples took place before the Last Supper. Therefore, the Last Supper is actually Jesus’ opportunity to remind the disciples of when he said they must eat his flesh and drink his blood and that then he would remain in them and give them life. His disciples believed in him, they followed him, and they obeyed him; but Jesus tells them that they must do more. They must consume him and truly take him into themselves.

What a wonderful gift we have been given by our Lord. He has given himself, his very flesh and blood, for the life of the world. We are invited to church each Sunday to receive this wonderous gift, which sustains us and nourishes us on our journey to God’s kingdom. How appropriate that the Greek word for this meal (eucharisteo) means thanksgiving, reminding us how eternally thankful we are for the opportunity to receive the Body of Christ, our bread of life.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob