I find the Bread of Life Discourse to be fascinating. How incredibly mystified the disciples and the others gathered must have been at Jesus’ teaching.
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood…”
(Cue screech track…) Wait, what? Slow down crazy guy. Did you just suggest that I… ahem… eat you?
“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.” John 6:53
This was absolutely revolutionary for the early Christians, and a little bit insane. But, Jesus commanded it and indeed He followed through with His offering on Holy Thursday and Good Friday as the ultimate Passover feast and sacrifice.
Is was absolutely revolutionary then, but is it absolutely revolutionary now? Either Jesus was the craziest guy to have ever lived or all that He has commanded is true. There is no in-between. And if all that He has commanded is true, then each and every Holy Mass, we have the incredible privilege to receive this “scandalous” Bread of Life – our eternal food for the journey.
It does not spoil, it is nourishing, it is absolutely essential.
“Whoever eats this will live forever.” John 6:58
The next time you approach Mass, take a long moment prior to the opening song to
remember that Jesus is offering Himself – body, blood, soul, and divinity – to you. Do
you believe all that He commanded? Are you ready to receive Him?
